"Eligible consumers may receive the money in different ways: some will get paper checks mailed to the address linked to their Amazon account, while others will receive refunds through digital payment services, with amounts reflecting the disputed Prime fees. The FTC encourages people to act promptly once a payment arrives, since checks typically carry a limited window before they expire. Digital transfers may need to be accepted by a set deadline."
"The $2.5 billion package ranks among the largest enforcement actions in the agency's history, combining money for consumer redress with a sizable penalty aimed at deterring similar tactics across the subscription economy. The case also fits into a broader regulatory push against so‑called "dark patterns," which are design choices that can nudge users into recurring charges. It's a crackdown that could reshape how tech and media companies present free trials and cancellations."
Amazon is sending refunds to millions of U.S. customers as part of a $2.5 billion settlement with federal regulators over how Prime was marketed and managed. Refunds target customers enrolled through sign-up flows the Federal Trade Commission deemed misleading, including checkout and promotional screens that pushed Prime as the default. Regulators said tens of millions could qualify, with individual refunds generally tied to Prime charges and capped at $51. The settlement combines consumer redress with a penalty to deter dark-pattern subscription tactics and may change how companies present free trials and cancellations. Checks and digital transfers require timely acceptance or deposit.
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