FTC Refunds Issued In January 2026, $4.5 Million NGL Settlement, $1.5 Billion Amazon Prime Payouts, And More – Who’s Getting Paid?

The FTC issued multiple consumer refunds in January 2026, including a $4.5 million settlement for NGL messaging app users who paid unauthorized charges and ongoing payments from Amazon’s $1.5 billion Prime refund program. Claim deadlines range from April 6, 2026 for NGL users to rolling deadlines for Amazon Prime customers.

Which FTC Refund Programs Are Active In January 2026

The FTC launched three major refund programs in January 2026 to compensate consumers harmed by deceptive business practices. The largest involves Amazon Prime’s $1.5 billion settlement addressing allegations the company trapped millions into unwanted subscriptions through confusing enrollment pages and difficult cancellation processes.

The NGL Labs settlement targets users of the anonymous messaging app who were charged recurring fees without proper consent between January 2022 and July 2024. According to the FTC’s January 6, 2026 announcement, NGL and its co-founders sent fake messages appearing to come from real people, tricking users into paying for NGL Pro subscriptions by falsely promising the service would reveal message senders.

The Next-Gen prize scheme refund program sent its second wave of payments in January 2026, totaling more than $13.5 million to consumers who lost money to fake sweepstakes and contests. This followed an initial $10.7 million distribution in July 2022.

Who Qualifies For The NGL Settlement

You’re eligible for the NGL settlement if you paid for NGL Pro between January 2022 and July 2024 and experienced unauthorized charges. The FTC alleged NGL Labs charged consumers recurring weekly fees without obtaining proper consent, leading many users to believe they were paying a one-time charge when they were actually enrolled in automatic renewals.

Users under 18 years old must have a parent or guardian complete the claim form on their behalf. The settlement administrator will review all claims before determining final eligibility, and payment amounts will depend on how many valid claims are submitted from the $4.5 million fund.

The claim deadline is April 6, 2026. You can submit your claim online at nglrefund.com/submitclaim or contact the administrator at 1-800-351-7161 for assistance.

Amazon Prime Settlement Details And Eligibility

Amazon customers qualify for refunds if they meet three requirements. First, you must be a U.S. Amazon Prime customer. Second, you signed up for Prime through a “challenged enrollment flow” or tried to cancel through the online cancellation process between June 23, 2019 and June 23, 2025 but couldn’t complete cancellation. Third, you used no more than three Prime benefits in any 12-month period following enrollment.

The challenged enrollment flows include Amazon’s shipping selection page, single-page checkout, universal Prime decision page, or Prime Video enrollment flow. You don’t need to determine which flow you used because Amazon will complete that analysis.

Eligible customers can receive refunds up to $51 for their Prime membership fees. Amazon began sending automatic refunds between November and December 2025 to millions of customers who qualified without needing to file claims. In January 2026, Amazon started sending claim notices by mail or email to eligible Prime customers who didn’t receive automatic refunds.

What The FTC Alleged Against These Companies

The FTC and Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office charged NGL Labs with violating consumer protection laws through deceptive marketing to children and teens. The complaint alleged NGL marketed its anonymous messaging service to minors while simultaneously using manipulative tactics to generate subscription revenue through fake messages that appeared authentic.

According to court documents, many NGL Pro subscribers thought they were making a one-time purchase but were instead charged recurring weekly fees. The company also failed to obtain proper consent for these recurring charges, violating the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act.

Amazon faced similar allegations regarding its Prime subscription service. The FTC’s September 2025 lawsuit claimed Amazon used “dark patterns” – deliberately confusing website designs – to mislead consumers into enrolling in Prime without clear understanding. The agency alleged Amazon made Prime cancellation intentionally difficult by requiring multiple steps and confirmation pages designed to discourage cancellations.

First American Payment Systems Refund Program Status

Businesses enrolled with First American Payment Systems between June 2017 and April 2020 who were charged early termination fees can currently apply for refunds. The FTC is reviewing claims after previously sending more than 5,500 checks totaling over $2.6 million in February 2025.

The payment processor, which operated under multiple business names, allegedly used misleading sales pitches and charged hidden fees to small businesses. First American paid $4.9 million to settle the FTC’s claims without admitting wrongdoing.

How To Claim Your NGL Refund

Visit nglrefund.com/submitclaim to file your claim online before the April 6, 2026 deadline. You’ll need to confirm you paid for NGL Pro between January 2022 and July 2024 and experienced unauthorized charges. The process requires basic account information and details about the unauthorized charges you received.

If you’re under 18, ask a parent or guardian to complete the form for you. The settlement administrator will review your claim to verify eligibility before approving payment.

Keep all documentation related to your NGL Pro subscription, including payment receipts, bank statements showing recurring charges, and any correspondence with NGL about billing issues. While the claim form doesn’t require extensive documentation upfront, having these records available can help if the administrator requests additional verification.

Amazon Prime Claims Process For Non-Automatic Refunds

If you didn’t receive an automatic refund between November and December 2025, watch for official communication from Amazon postmarked by January 23, 2026. This notice will provide instructions for filing a claim through the settlement website.

You’ll have 180 days from receiving the notice to submit your claim. Amazon will review each claim within 30 days, and payments should follow shortly after approval. Refunds will be distributed via PayPal, Venmo, or mailed checks.

The claim process requires you to verify your Prime subscription history and confirm you meet the eligibility requirements. Amazon has access to your account records and will validate your claim against their internal data.

Next-Gen Prize Scheme And Other Active Programs

The Next-Gen settlement distributed over $13.5 million in January 2026 to consumers who lost money to fake sweepstakes promoted by Next-Gen and related companies. The FTC and Missouri sued the companies for promoting fraudulent “game of skill” contests promising cash prizes that consumers never received.

If you received a refund check from any FTC program, cash it within 90 days. PayPal payments must be accepted within 30 days. Missing these deadlines means forfeiting your refund.

What FTC Refunds Are Being Issued In January 2026?

The FTC issued refunds from three programs in January 2026: the NGL Labs settlement ($4.5 million for messaging app users), Amazon Prime settlement (up to $51 per eligible customer from $1.5 billion fund), and Next-Gen prize scheme ($13.5 million second distribution).

Which Consumers Are Eligible For FTC Refunds?

NGL users who paid for NGL Pro between January 2022 and July 2024 with unauthorized charges qualify. Amazon Prime customers enrolled through challenged flows between June 2019 and June 2025 who used three or fewer benefits annually qualify. Next-Gen victims who lost money to fake sweepstakes qualify.

How Do I Check If I Am Eligible For An FTC Refund?

For NGL, visit nglrefund.com or call 1-800-351-7161. For Amazon Prime, check your email for official notices sent in January 2026 or visit the FTC’s Amazon refunds page at ftc.gov/enforcement/refunds/amazon-refunds.

What Violations Led To These FTC Refunds?

NGL allegedly sent fake messages and charged recurring fees without consent. Amazon allegedly used dark patterns to trap consumers in Prime subscriptions and made cancellation difficult. Next-Gen allegedly operated fake sweepstakes schemes promising prizes consumers never received.

What Is The Deadline To Claim My FTC Refund?

NGL claims must be submitted by April 6, 2026. Amazon Prime claimants have 180 days from receiving their eligibility notice (sent by January 23, 2026). First American Payment Systems claims are under review with no published deadline.

How Much Money Will I Receive From FTC Refunds?

NGL payments depend on total valid claims from the $4.5 million fund. Amazon Prime refunds are up to $51 per customer. Next-Gen refunds were distributed automatically to eligible consumers. Payment amounts vary based on individual harm and total claimants.

Where Can I Find Official FTC Refund Information?

Visit ftc.gov/enforcement/refunds for all active programs. For NGL: nglrefund.com/submitclaim or email [email protected]. For Amazon: check the official FTC Amazon refunds page and watch for direct communication from Amazon settlement administrators.

Last Updated: February 7, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for guidance on your specific situation.

Don’t miss your FTC refund opportunity. Check your eligibility and file claims before deadlines expire.

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About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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