Hold onto your controllers, gamers! Uncle Sam is playing Santa Claus for Fortnite fans in 2025, doling out cold hard cash like a loot llama piรฑata exploded at the FTC headquarters. This isn't some sketchy mod โ we're talking legit refunds from a $245 million settlement fund. Remember those accidental V-Bucks purchases when you just wanted to wake your console? Or when little Timmy maxed out your credit card on rainbow unicorn skins? Epic Games got busted for "deceptive button configurations" and now they're paying the piper. Cha-ching! ๐ฎ๐ธ
The Skinny on the Settlement
Here's the tea: The FTC called foul on Fortnite's "press-one-button-and-pray" purchasing system that could:
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Charge you for simply looking at items ๐คฏ
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Let kids go on shopping sprees without parental permission
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Lock accounts when players disputed charges
Epic got slapped with a $275 million fine PLUS this massive refund pool. The first wave paid out $72 million, and now Round 2 is dropping $126 million to nearly a million players. That's enough V-Bucks to make even Thanos blush!
Show Me the Money: Eligibility Checklist
Wondering if you've hit the jackpot? Here's the cheat code:
Requirement | Details |
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๐ฝ Location | Must live in the USA |
๐ Age | 18+ (or parent/guardian files) |
โฐ Timeframe | Incidents between Jan 2017 - Sep 2022 |
Plus ONE of these scenarios:
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You got charged for unwanted items
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A minor made unauthorized purchases
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Your account got locked after disputing charges
Claim Process: Easier Than a Victory Royale
Filing is smoother than default dancing:
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Have your FTC claim email OR 32-character Epic ID ready
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Visit the FTC portal (takes ~2 minutes)
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Choose PayPal or paper check delivery
Pro tip: The deadline got extended! You've got until July 9 to file โ mark it like it's the next Battle Pass drop date.
People Also Ask ๐ค
Q: Will Epic ban me for filing?
A: Heck no! The FTC confirms: "No items removed, no accounts penalized." This ain't a scam โ it's government-sanctioned payback.
Q: How much cheddar can I expect?
A: First-round payees averaged $114. Your cut depends on how many file โ more claimants = smaller slices of pie. Still, free money is free money!
Q: When will I get paid?
A: Payouts start rolling in 2026. PayPal claims expire in 30 days; checks turn into pumpkins after 90 days. Don't ghost your free cash!
Q: Can international players join?
A: Sorry mate โ this rodeo is strictly for US residents. Better luck next class-action!
The Bottom Line
Epic's 2022 statement about being "at the forefront of consumer protection" now tastes sweeter than 99 V-Bucks. While their shady tactics were total cringe, the refund program is legit AF. With the average payment covering a Battle Pass + extra skins, this is basically Christmas in July for eligible players.
Don't be a noob โ if you fit the criteria, file that claim faster than you'd rush Tilted Towers! Your wallet will thank you later. ๐คโจ
CTA: Think you qualify? Stop sleeping on free money โ visit the FTC claim portal NOW before the July 9 deadline!