FTC refund programs: how official refunds actually work
The FTC sends money back to consumers after enforcement actions. Here is how those programs work, how to spot the real ones, and why you should never pay to get a refund.
When the Federal Trade Commission settles a case against a company, part of that settlement often goes back to consumers as refunds. The FTC runs an active, public list of these programs on its own website — it is the only list worth trusting.
Refund programs are not lawsuits you join. In most cases the FTC or its contractor mails checks, sends PayPal payments, or contacts eligible people directly using records it already has. Some programs ask you to file a short claim form first.
How to check the real list
The FTC publishes every active refund program at ftc.gov/enforcement/refunds. Each entry says who the refund is for, how much is being returned, and whether you need to file a claim or simply watch for a payment.
If a program is not on that page, treat it with caution. Scammers copy the names of real settlements and charge 'processing fees' to release money. The FTC never charges you to receive a refund.
Red flags to watch for
Anyone who asks for money, gift cards, or your bank login to 'release' a refund is not the FTC. Real refund notices never require payment, and they never guarantee a specific dollar amount before claims are reviewed.
If you are unsure about a letter or email, do not use the phone number printed on it. Go to the official refunds page and compare the program name and administrator listed there.
What this site does
We track the FTC's active refund chart as records on this site, with links back to the official pages. It is a research guide, not legal advice — the official FTC page always controls.
Official sources
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. We do not file claims, and filing on the official administrator or government site is always free. If anything here disagrees with an official notice, the official notice controls.
Related records
FTC active refund programs (official index)
If you did business with a company on the FTC refunds chart, you may be eligible for a refund. Most cases do not require a claim because defendants already provided customer…
- Deadline
- See official notice
- Amount
- Varies — paid automatically, no claim form
CFPB payments to harmed consumers (by case)
If you used a bank, lender, or other company in a CFPB enforcement case, you may be eligible for a payment listed on the official by-case table. In many matters the agency already…
- Deadline
- See official notice
- Amount
- Varies — paid automatically, no claim form
Check what you may be eligible for
A short quiz compares your profile to the records we track. Free, and never legal advice.