The FTC Is Sending Refund Money. Here Is How to Tell It Is Real.

The Federal Trade Commission is sending more than 640,000 payments worth over $23.8 million to Grubhub drivers and diners. How FTC refunds work, how long you have to cash a check or accept a PayPal payment, and how to avoid refund scams.

The Federal Trade Commission's headquarters, the Apex Building, in Washington, DC. Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, via Wikimedia Commons (public domain)

By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 14 September 2026 · 4-minute read

This article is general consumer information, not legal advice.

"FTC August 2026 consumer refunds" was among the rising searches in the United States this week, and Google Ads data shows searches for "FTC refunds" reaching about 4,400 in August — their highest level of the past year.

What FTC Refunds Are

When the Federal Trade Commission wins or settles a case against a company for deceptive or unlawful conduct, money can be returned to the people who were harmed. The FTC sends those refunds directly — by mailed check or by electronic payment such as PayPal.

The Grubhub Refunds

The FTC is sending 640,038 payments totalling more than $23.8 million.
Recipients are Grubhub delivery drivers and diners.
The FTC alleged Grubhub deceived drivers about the earnings they could expect, and blocked some diners from their accounts, preventing them from redeeming gift cards.

Deadlines That Matter

Checks: cash within 90 days.
PayPal payments: accept within 30 days.

Money not claimed in time may not be reissued, so check your mail and your PayPal account.

Other Recent Refunds

Earlier this year, in March 2026, the FTC sent checks totalling more than $47.2 million to consumers affected by undisclosed fees and other unlawful charges from Invitation Homes. The FTC lists all active refund programmes on its website at ftc.gov/refunds.

How to Spot a Fake Refund Message

Refund programmes attract impostors. According to the FTC:

The FTC never requires you to pay anything to receive a refund.
It never asks for your bank account or credit card details to send a refund.
Check the programme on ftc.gov directly, rather than following links in texts or emails.
Be wary of "claim services" offering to get your refund for a fee.

For a wider checklist of warning signs, see ten red flags of a financial scam.

What to Do With a Refund

Even a small refund can help rebuild savings — and keeping cash in an account that pays a competitive rate makes it work harder. See this month's best high-yield savings rates.

Sources

"Grubhub refunds," Federal Trade Commission — ftc.gov
"FTC sends checks totaling more than $47.2 million to consumers deceived by Invitation Homes' undisclosed fees," Federal Trade Commission — ftc.gov
"Refund programs: frequently asked questions," Federal Trade Commission — ftc.gov
"Consumer refunds," Federal Trade Commission — ftc.gov

ftc refunds 2026 (1)

FTC Refunds 2026: Grubhub Payments and How to Spot a Fake Refund Message