Fortnite generates plenty of profit through its V-Bucks and microtransactions. Over the years, there have been plenty of reports of parents hit with breathtakingly high bills after a child goes on a Fortnite spending spree. Anyone who’s faced such a situation may be able to claim a refund thanks to a ruling by the Federal Trade Commission.
The FTC unveiled this refund process after Fortnite developer Epic Games agreed to pay a colossal $245 million settlement following accusations of charging for unwanted purchases and locking the accounts of customers who disputed the charges with their credit card companies. Since September 19, the FTC has been sending out emails to Fortnite players who may be eligible for a refund.
Any US citizens who have had unwanted purchases have until January 17 to claim a refund. At least one of these statements also have to be true:
- You were charged in-game currency for items you didn’t want between January 2017 and September 2022
- Your child made charges to your credit card without your knowledge between January 2017 and November 2018
- Your account was locked between January 2017 and September 2022 after you complained to your credit card company about wrongful charges
Fortnite’s dubious practices
Fornite has been accused of predatory practices and “dark patterns” meant to coerce players into making purchases. The $245 million settlement will go to consumers who have fallen victim to these tactics. The FTC has yet to reveal how much affected players will be refunded, but it “will depend on several factors, including how many people file a claim.”
Despite the setback, Fortnite is still going strong. This month, it began yet another anime collaboration, this time with My Hero Academia.
