So, you’re still waiting on that check. Or maybe the PayPal notification that never seems to hit your inbox. Honestly, the whole FTC Fortnite refund status thing has felt like waiting for a slow-moving storm circle to finally close.
It's been a long road.
Back in late 2022, Epic Games agreed to a massive $245 million settlement because the FTC called them out for "dark patterns." Basically, the government said Epic used confusing button layouts to trick people into buying stuff they didn't want. If you've ever accidentally bought a skin while just trying to preview it, you know exactly what they’re talking about.
Where is My Money? The Current FTC Fortnite Refund Status
If you're looking for a quick update: the claims window is officially closed. The final deadline to file was July 9, 2025. If you didn't get your claim in by then, you’re likely out of luck.
But for those who did? It’s a game of patience.
The FTC has already sent out hundreds of millions of dollars. The first wave hit in December 2024, followed by a massive second round in June 2025. During that June wave, the FTC sent over 969,000 payments totaling about $126 million. Most people who filed early already saw their money.
If you filed your claim after February 14, 2025, but before the July deadline, you are currently in the "Review Phase."
The 2026 Timeline
Right now, the FTC is manually reviewing the last mountain of claims. They’ve stated officially that the next round of payments is slated for 2026. Since we are already in January 2026, we are entering the home stretch.
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Wait times are normal.
Don't expect a specific date yet. The FTC usually doesn't drop a calendar. They just announce when the "send" button has been pushed. If you chose a check, keep an eye on your physical mail. If you chose PayPal, watch for an email from an address ending in .gov.
Why Some Claims Are Still Pending
It’s not just a "first come, first served" system. The FTC has to verify that you actually qualify. They aren't just handing out cash to anyone who ever played the game.
To actually get paid, you had to fall into one of three buckets:
- You were charged in-game currency for items you didn't want between Jan 2017 and Sept 2022.
- Your kid went on a spending spree with your credit card without your permission (Jan 2017 - Nov 2018).
- Epic locked your account because you complained to your bank about a charge.
If your Epic Account ID doesn't show a history of these specific issues, the claim gets flagged. This manual verification is why the FTC Fortnite refund status hasn't moved for some people in months.
Scams: The "Dark Patterns" That Won't Die
Here is the deal: The FTC will never ask you to pay money to get your refund.
If you get a DM, a text, or an email saying you need to pay a "processing fee" or give up your Fortnite login password to check your status, it is 100% a scam. These scammers are ironically using the same "dark patterns" the lawsuit was about in the first place.
Check your status only through official channels:
- Phone: 1-833-915-0880 (The official refund administrator, Rust Consulting).
- Email: admin@fortniterefund.com.
- Website: ftc.gov/Fortnite.
What Happens When the Payment Arrives?
When the money finally lands, it’s usually not a fortune. The average payment in the first round was around $114, but some people got much more if they had significant unauthorized charges.
If you get a check: Cash it within 90 days. If you get a PayPal payment: Claim it within 30 days.
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If you miss those windows, the money goes back into the fund, and getting it reissued is a total nightmare.
Actionable Next Steps for 2026
If you are one of the thousands still waiting, here is exactly what you should do right now:
- Verify your email archives: Search for "Fortnite Refund" or "Rust Consulting." You might have missed a request for more information.
- Check your PayPal status: If you chose PayPal, ensure the email address you used for the claim is still active and verified.
- Don't re-file: The deadline has passed. Attempting to submit a new claim now will likely result in nothing.
- Call the administrator: If you moved houses or changed your email since July 2025, call 1-833-915-0880 to update your contact info. They can't pay you if they can't find you.
- Wait for the update: The FTC website is expected to post a "Final Distribution" notice sometime in the first half of 2026.
The money is there. Epic already paid it. Now it's just a matter of the government finishing the paperwork.