Texas Parents Eligible for Video Game Refunds – How to Apply

Texas parents of kids who love video games now have a "side quest" they can participate in. But unlike the side quests that gamers in Lewisville, Lake Dallas, Waskom, Wimberly, and Beaumont spend their time pursuing, this side quest could pay out in real money. It's all part of a court settlement that many Texas parents might not be aware they are eligible to receive.

The "refund" stems from a ruling by the Federal Trade Commission that was made against the makers of the popular video game Fortnite. In the suit by the FTC, it was alleged that Epic Games the makers of Fortnite used deception to trick players into making unwanted purchases.

It was also alleged that the practice enticed children to build up unauthorized charges with the knowledge of their parents. The FTC suit also mentioned how easy the game manufacturer made it for those kids and anyone playing the game, for that matter, based on the press of a single button.

It was also alleged in the FTC suit that players could and were charged while attempting to "wake the game from sleep mode" or while the game was in the process of loading. The suit also alleges that many "preview" buttons created an opportunity for unwanted and unauthorized charges by players.

The Federal Trade Commission has already begun sending out refunds to those who filed a claim in the suit by the October 8, 2024 deadline. The average initial payment appears to be $50 but more payments are expected to come at a later date.

If have not filed a claim in the FTC case against Epic Games you can still do that. The deadline for action is January 10, 2025. You must be 18 years or older to file. If a minor was involved in the unauthorized charges then a parent would need to file on the minor's behalf. You will need to provide a claim number and an Epic account ID.

These groups of people are considered to be eligible to apply and request a refund.

• Parents whose children made purchases on an unauthorized credit card in the Epic Games Store between January 2017 and November 2018.
• Fortnite players that were charged in-game currency (V-Bucks) for unwanted in-game items (such as cosmetics, llamas, or battle passes) between January 2017 and September 2022.
• Fortnite players whose accounts were locked between January 2017 and September 2022 after disputing unauthorized charges with their credit card companies.

You may use this link to file a claim and get further information on your eligibility and when to expect a refund if one is owed.