"Fortnite" has been in trouble with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) before, and its maker, Epic Games, has agreed to settle for $520 million. As part of the settlement, "Fortnite" players can now apply for a refund from Epic Games' $245 million settlement with the FTC.
The FTC Says That 'Fortnite' Players Accidentally Purchased In-Game Goods Due to Design Tricks
The $245 million is part of last December's broader $520 million settlement. According to The Verge, the FTC alleged that "Fortnite" players accidentally purchased in-game goods. The reason why they were allegedly "accident" was because of the design tricks used by "Fortnite."
Only eligible players can claim a refund that is supposed to be distributed among the affected individuals.
'Fortnite' Players Can Apply for a Refund Through the FTC Website
"Fortnite" players can visit www.ftc.gov/Fortnite to apply and get a refund. The site also reveals more information about the refund and who qualifies for it.
The first eligibility is if players were charged in-game currency for items they did not really want. This would apply to "Fortnite" gamers who experienced this scenario from January 2017 to September 2022.
Other Eligibilities Include Individuals Who Were Locked Out of Their Accounts After Complaining
The second eligibility is for situations in which a child made charges to a credit card without the cardholder's knowledge between January 2017 and November 2018.
The third eligibility is for individuals who experienced their account being locked between January 2017 and September 2022. These individuals comprised those who experienced locked accounts after complaining to their credit card company regarding the charges.
'Fortnite' Players Who Want to Claim the Refund Have to be 18 Years Old or Older
Generally, only people 18 years old or older would be able to complete the refund form. If the victim is not yet 18, the FTC noted that the parent needs to complete the form on behalf of the minor for a refund to be given.
People who are already 18 or older and eligible for any of the three requirements would need to enter a claim number that the FTC will send. Victims can also provide their Epic Account ID to claim a number.
Deadline for Refund Application Is Before January 17, 2024
To claim the refund, affected "Fortnite" players would need to apply before January 17, 2024. It was reported that the refund amount will depend on different factors. One of these factors is how many people would go forward and officially file a claim.
So far, the FTC noted that it does not have any mailing date for payments as of press time. That would mean that there still is no official date when the "Fortnite" players would receive the refund or how much these affected individuals would receive.
