Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
FTC Refund Programs Guide
Learn how the FTC returns money to consumers after enforcement cases, how to check for refund programs you may qualify for, and how to avoid refund scams.
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Who this guide is for
Consumers who were affected by a business the FTC sued may be eligible for a refund. Each program has its own eligibility rules, listed on the FTC's case pages.
- Processing time
- Timing varies by program. The FTC distributes refunds in scheduled rounds after a case is finalized.
- Refund amount
- Amount varies by program
Information the official service may require
- The case name or claim number from the official FTC case page (each program has its own process)
- Only the information the official FTC case page or claim form requests (this varies by program)
Do not send these documents to ClaimPayout.
How to use the official process
- Go to the official FTC refunds page (ftc.gov/refunds) to see the list of refund programs.
- Open the case page for the program you believe you qualify for. Each page lists who is eligible, how to apply (if a claim form is required), and the program's deadline.
- If a claim form is required, submit it by the program's deadline through the official channel.
- If no claim is required, the FTC may send your payment automatically (by check, prepaid card, PayPal, or Zelle). Watch your mail for official correspondence.
- Check the case page to confirm whether a company that contacted you is the official refund administrator for that case.
Important warnings
- The FTC never charges a fee and never asks for your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card to send a refund.
- Verify any refund message against the official FTC site before responding. Report impostors at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Questions about this program
Do I need to pay a fee to get an FTC refund?
No. The FTC will never ask you to pay money, a processing fee, or make a wire transfer to receive a refund. Anyone who does is a scammer.
Will the FTC ask for my Social Security number or bank details?
No. The FTC will never ask for your Social Security number, bank account information, or credit card details to send you a refund.
Why does a check or email come from a company other than the FTC?
The FTC uses private administrators (such as Epiq, Rust Consulting, or Analytics Consulting) to manage payments. Verify the company on the official FTC case page.
How do I know if a refund message is real?
Do not click links or call numbers in the message. Go directly to ftc.gov/refunds and check the case page. Report suspected scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.