The FTC makes it easy to cancel subscriptions with the Click to Cancel rule.
The Federal Trade Commission has finalized its “Click to Cancel” rule, making it easier for consumers to cancel their subscriptions.
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Fortnite players have until Friday to submit a claim to Federal Trade Commission after regulators found that the game’s developer had “tricked” customers into unknowingly spending money on in-game purchases.
The received settlement According to the watchdog agency, it’s the largest FTC-enforced program of its kind in the video game industry, but players will have to hurry if they haven’t already applied to get a piece of it.
Here’s what Fortnite players need to know about the settlement, whether they’re eligible to receive money, and how to apply for reimbursement.
Fortnite players are getting a portion of the $72 million initial payout from Epic Games
In December in The FTC announced an initial payment of $72 million will be sent to Epic Games customers. The money will go to players who fell victim to the company’s “unlawful billing practices” over six years while playing the popular online video game. Fortnite.
The payout is one of the first rounds of others after a 2022 settlements in which Epic Games agreed to pay gamers $245 million.
Epic Games ‘duped’ players into unwanted purchases, FTC says
fortnite, best known for its Battle Royale mode In which up to 100 players can fight to be the last standing, it is free to download and play. But the game charges players a lot of money in-game items and experiences — so-called microtransactions among gamers — for example, costumes and dance moves.
Microtransactions is a common feature of video games that players have come to expect. But according to the FTC, Epic Games used a design tactic known as “dark patterns” that hid in-game purchases, allowing children to accumulate unauthorized payments without parental consent.
In some cases, just one accidental click of a button led to players of all ages being charged fees they didn’t consent to, the FTC said. This happened to players trying to wake the game from sleep mode or pressing a button just to preview a purchasable item, the agency said. the complaint states.
FTC: Players who complained lost access to their accounts
When some customers disputed the unauthorized payments, Epic Games allegedly blocked their accounts, causing players to lose access to any content they had purchased.
AND proposed agreement reached in December 2022 with the FTC resulted in Epic Games returning $245 million to those customers who filed for refunds. The agreement also requires Epic Games to obtain affirmative consent before charging gamers, the FTC said, and barred it from locking players out of their accounts for disputing unauthorized charges.
Is Epic Games changing the way they handle microtransactions instead of settlements?
In a News release for December 2022Epic Games outlined several ways to change its “ecosystem” to meet the “expectations of our players and regulators.” The changes included updating payment practices and addressing children’s privacy concerns.
“We will continue to communicate clearly what players can expect when they make purchases, make cancellations and refunds simple, and create safeguards that help keep our ecosystem safe and fun for audiences of all ages,” it said. in a press release.
Continuation of the story after the photo gallery.
How much money do Fortnite players get paid?
The amount of money Fortnite players will receive depends in part on how many people have filed claims with the FTC.
The agency announced this week that approximately 630,000 Fortnite players in the U.S. will receive payouts totaling more than $72 million, an average of $114 per player, to those who filed a well-founded lawsuit until October 8, 2024
If you filed your claim after October 8th, don’t worry. The agency said it is still reviewing the claims and will provide more information about future payments at a later date.
Am I entitled to a refund from Epic Games, Fortnite?
According to the FTC, Fortnite players can file for refunds if any of the following statements are true:
- Between January 2017 and September 2022, you were charged in-game currency for things you didn’t need.
- Your child charged your credit card without your knowledge between January 2017 and November 2018.
- Your account was suspended between January 2017 and September 2022 after you complained to your credit card company about an improper charge.
You must be at least 18 years old to file a claim, according to the FTC. Persons under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian complete the application form.
Will my Fortnite account be affected if I file a claim?
No, according to the FTC, your Fortnite account will not be affected if you file a lawsuit against Epic Games. You will not lose any purchased goods.
When is the deadline for applying for a refund?
The claim deadline is Friday, January 10, 2025.
What do Fortnite players need to file a claim with the FTC?
In order to file a chargeback against Epic Games with the FTC, customers need two things: theirs Epic Account ID and claim number attached to them consumer complaint.
Where can Fortnite players apply for a refund?
Fortnite players who believe they are entitled to a refund can file a claim with the FTC online at FortniteRefund.com/file-a-claim.
Need more help?
For more information about the Epic Games settlement or for assistance with a claim, you can call the claims administrator at 1-833-915-0880, email admin@fortniterefund.com or visit the FTC online at ftc.gov/enforcement/refunds/fortnite-refunds.
USA TODAY Network’s national trending reporter Eric Lagatta contributed to this report.
John Tufts covers breaking news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Find it BlueSky in John WritesStuff.