For most FTC refund programs you need no documents because you file no claim form. The Federal Trade Commission, the federal agency that enforces consumer refund orders, pays you automatically from customer lists supplied by the defendant. A claim form is the exception, not the rule. When the FTC says a claim is required, the notice names the exact form, office, and deadline for that case.
Official resources:
- Read the official notice from FTC — Use this primary source to verify the official announcement.
- Read the official notice from FTC — Use this primary source to verify the official announcement.
Table of Contents
- Do you need to file anything?
- When a form is required, what do you submit?
- Which documents prove your claim?
- How do you get paid and stay safe?
Do you need to file anything?
Most cases require no claim form. Court orders make defendants turn over contacts and payment amounts. According to the Federal Trade Commission's refund program FAQ, the FTC then mails payment automatically.
The FTC's Amazon Refunds page says Prime automatic refunds need no action. The payment expires 60 days after issuance. Cash or use it promptly.
When a form is required, what do you submit?
When the FTC requires a claim, use only that case's online form or ask for its paper form. Send it to the named refund administrator by the stated date.
The FTC's NGL settlement page lists April 6, 2026 as one such deadline. File exactly as the notice directs: Deadlines and addresses change by case. A form sent to the wrong office or after the date does not count.
- Use the case-specific online form or request the paper form
- Send it to the named administrator before the deadline
- Keep a copy and proof of mailing
Which documents prove your claim?
For Fortnite, the Federal Trade Commission said in its January refund extension notice that players could file with two options. They entered the emailed claim number or the Epic Account ID. It said no receipts were needed at filing time. Fraud-transfer cases ask for more paper. According to the Federal Trade Commission's MoneyGram fraud refund alert, those cases asked for transfer paper.
Filers provided send forms, receipts, history reports, and the eight-digit Money Transfer Control Number. The form also asked for name, address, and SSN or ITIN. Missing paper does not end a Western Union claim. The FTC's 2018 Western Union Q&A says file anyway with as much transfer detail as you have. The Justice Department checks petitions against Western Union records instead of denying for missing paperwork alone.
How do you get paid and stay safe?
The FTC's Amazon Refunds page says payments arrive by check, prepaid card, PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle, depending on the case. Use the method stated for your case. An Amazon Prime automatic refund expires 60 days after issuance.
The Federal Trade Commission states in its refund FAQ on fees that it never requires payment to get a refund. It never asks for bank-account information or a fee. Verify the program and administrator contacts only at ftc.gov/refunds and report impostors at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.