Are you a dedicated Fortnite player, or perhaps you have a child who spent countless hours (and V-Bucks) in the game? If so, pay close attention! There’s a massive $126 million settlement involving Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite, and if you meet certain criteria, you might still have time to claim your share.
What’s This All About?
Back in late 2022, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced two record-breaking settlements with Epic Games totaling $520 million. Part of this massive payout – specifically $245 million – was dedicated to refunding consumers for Epic’s use of “dark patterns” to trick players into making unintended purchases, and for locking children’s accounts. The other $275 million was for privacy violations under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The $126 million we’re talking about is a significant portion of the consumer refund fund.
Who Is Eligible to Claim?
Generally, you may be eligible if you or your child:
- Were charged V-Bucks for items you didn’t want between January 2017 and September 2022.
- Made an unauthorized purchase with a credit card between January 2017 and September 2022, and did not receive a refund from Epic Games.
- Had your account locked between January 2017 and September 2022 due to disputing unauthorized charges with your credit card company.
It’s important to note that the settlement aims to compensate players who were negatively affected by Epic’s practices. If you made legitimate purchases and were happy with them, this settlement likely doesn’t apply to you.
How to Claim Your Share (Don’t Delay!)
While initial claim periods may have passed for some, the prompt suggests that applications are still open, or there might be an extended window for those who missed the first wave. To find out if you can still apply and to access the official claims portal, you MUST visit the dedicated settlement website. Do not trust third-party links or individuals claiming to help you apply for a fee.
The official settlement administrator website is crucial. You will typically need to provide:
- Your contact information.
- Details about your Fortnite account and the specific issues you experienced (e.g., dates of unauthorized charges, account lockouts).
- Proof of purchase if available, though for many, Epic’s own records will suffice.
After submitting your claim, it will be reviewed, and if approved, you will be notified about your share of the settlement fund. Payments are usually distributed via PayPal, direct deposit, or check.
Why Act Now?
Even if the individual amount you receive isn’t massive, it’s your money that was wrongfully taken or held. Class action settlements like this are designed to provide redress to a large number of affected individuals. Every eligible person who claims their share helps hold companies accountable for their actions. Deadlines for these types of settlements can be fluid but often have a firm end. Don’t risk missing out on what you’re owed!
Final Call to Action:
Don’t wait! If you believe you are eligible for a piece of the $126 million Fortnite settlement, head to the official settlement website (a quick search for “Fortnite FTC settlement claim” should lead you to the legitimate site, usually administered by a law firm or settlement administrator like ftc.gov or dedicated settlement claim sites). Verify your eligibility and submit your claim as soon as possible. Your piece of the pie might still be waiting for you!