The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is taking action to reimburse consumers who fell victim to deceptive billing practices by Epic Games, the company behind the immensely popular video game Fortnite. Over $72 million in refunds will be distributed to those who were misled into making unintended purchases while playing the game.
Background of the Settlement
This initiative stems from a settlement agreement first revealed in December 2022, which required Epic Games to pay a total of $245 million. The FTC accused the game developer of employing manipulative design techniques—referred to as “dark patterns”—that tricked players into making purchases without their consent. Additionally, the FTC highlighted that children were able to incur unauthorized charges without parental oversight, and users disputing these charges were often barred from accessing their purchased content.
How the Deceptive Practices Worked
The FTC’s investigation found that Fortnite’s confusing interface led players of all ages to accidentally make purchases. For instance, charges could be incurred simply by waking the game from sleep mode, during loading screens, or by mistakenly pressing adjacent buttons while trying to preview items.
Distribution of Refunds
The FTC has commenced the first round of refund payments, with plans for additional distributions in the future. Currently, 629,344 payments are being processed, with approximately half delivered via PayPal and the other half in the form of checks.
For Consumers
- Consumers had the option to choose their preferred payment method when filing their claims.
- Recipients are advised to cash their checks within 90 days and to redeem their PayPal payments within 30 days.
- The average refund amount is around $114.
For any inquiries regarding their payments, consumers can reach out to the refund administrator, Rust Consulting, Inc., at 1-833-915-0880 or via email at admin@fortniterefund.com. Additionally, the FTC encourages consumers to visit their website for frequently asked questions regarding the refund process. Importantly, the Commission clarifies that consumers do not need to pay any fees or provide sensitive information to receive their refunds.
Claiming Your Refund
Eligible consumers still have the opportunity to file a claim online through the FTC’s dedicated portal. The claim form can be accessed on the FTC’s official website, ensuring an easy and straightforward process for those affected by these practices.
Ongoing Consumer Protection Efforts
The FTC remains committed to promoting fair competition and safeguarding consumers. In 2023 alone, their enforcement actions resulted in a staggering $330 million in refunds to consumers nationwide. The Commission emphasizes its dedication to consumer education, warning the public to be cautious of scams and fraudulent practices.
For ongoing updates and more information about consumer rights and protections, individuals can explore a variety of resources available through the FTC’s platforms.
