FTC refund checks are real, but scammers use fake ones to steal from you
The Federal Trade Commission does send refund checks to people who were harmed by companies that broke the law. Those checks are legitimate. But scammers also send fake FTC checks designed to look identical, and they use them to trick you into giving up money or personal information. The difference between a real check and a fake one comes down to a few specific details you can verify before you cash it.
A real FTC refund check will have your name on it, will come from a specific settlement or case the FTC actually ran, and will have a phone number printed on the back that matches the official FTC contact line. Fake checks often have generic language, vague references to "government refunds," or phone numbers that route you to scammers pretending to be FTC staff.
Key Takeaways
- The FTC mails refund checks only to people who filed a claim in a specific case or were identified in FTC records as harmed by a company.
- Real FTC checks list the case name or settlement name on the check itself, and you can search for that case on the FTC website to confirm it is real.
- The phone number printed on the back of a real FTC check is 1-888-FTC-REFUND (1-888-382-7386), and you should call that number directly to verify the check before cashing it.
- Scammers often ask you to deposit the check and then wire money back, or they ask for personal information to "process" the refund.
- If you receive a check you did not expect, do not call any number printed on it — instead, search the FTC website for the case name or call the FTC directly.
How to verify a real FTC refund check
Start by looking at the check itself. A legitimate FTC refund check will have the name of a specific settlement or case printed on it. Examples include "Equifax Settlement," "Wells Fargo Unauthorized Accounts Settlement," or "Amazon Pay Day Lending Settlement." If the check just says "government refund" or "federal refund" with no case name, it is fake.
Next, search the FTC website for that case name. Go to reportfraud.ftc.gov or ftc.gov and use the search function to find the settlement. Real settlements have a dedicated page that lists the case details, the company involved, what the refund covers, and how much people received. If you cannot find the case on the FTC website, the check is not real.
Look at the phone number on the back of the check. A real FTC check will print 1-888-382-7386 (1-888-FTC-REFUND). Call that number directly — do not call any other number that appears on the check or in any letter that came with it. The FTC staff can tell you whether the check is real and answer questions about depositing it.
Red flags that signal a fake FTC check
Scammers often include language designed to create urgency or confusion. Watch for checks that say you must cash it by a certain date, that you need to call immediately, or that you have to take action to "claim" the money. The real FTC does not work that way — if you are owed money from a settlement, the FTC mails it to you without requiring you to do anything first.
Another common scam is a check that arrives with a letter asking you to call a number to "verify your information" or "confirm your identity." Real FTC refund checks do not require you to call and give personal details. If someone claiming to be from the FTC asks for your Social Security number, bank account details, or credit card information, hang up — that is a scammer.
Fake checks sometimes arrive with instructions to deposit the check and then wire money back to cover "processing fees" or "taxes." The FTC never charges fees to send you a refund. If a check comes with any request for you to send money back, it is a scam.
What to do if you think the check is fake
Do not deposit it. Do not call any number printed on the check or in the accompanying letter. Instead, report it to the FTC directly by going to reportfraud.ftc.gov and selecting "Other" as the fraud type, or call 1-888-382-7386 to speak with someone who can help.
If you have already deposited a fake check and sent money to the scammer, contact your bank immediately and tell them you deposited a fraudulent check. Also report the incident to the FTC and to your local police department. The sooner you report it, the better the chance your bank can stop the wire transfer or reverse the transaction.
How the FTC actually sends refunds
When the FTC wins a case against a company, it sets up a claims process or automatically sends refunds to people in its records. If you filed a claim in a settlement, the FTC will mail a check to the address you provided. You do not have to do anything else — no verification call, no fee, no wire transfer.
The FTC keeps a list of active settlements and refund programs on its website. If you think you might be owed money from a case, you can search by company name or settlement name at ftc.gov/refunds. That page also lists cases where the refund period has closed, so you can see whether you missed a deadline.
Refund checks from the FTC are mailed from the U.S. Treasury or from a claims administrator hired by the FTC. The check will have official government markings and will be printed on security paper. If the check looks flimsy, has poor print quality, or feels like regular paper, it is likely fake.
What happens if you cash a fake check
If you deposit a fake check into your bank account, your bank will eventually discover it is fraudulent — usually within two to five business days. When that happens, the bank will reverse the deposit and charge your account for the amount of the check. You will be responsible for any overdraft fees or other charges that result.
If you already sent money to the scammer before the check bounced, you have lost that money. Banks cannot recover wire transfers or money sent through payment apps, so the money is gone unless you report it to law enforcement immediately and they can trace it.
The longer you wait to report a fake check, the harder it is to recover your money. If you suspect you have been scammed, report it to the FTC, your bank, and your local police as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I search for my name to see if I am owed an FTC refund?
Yes. Go to ftc.gov/refunds and search by settlement name or company name. You can also call 1-888-382-7386 to ask whether you are listed in any active refund program. The FTC does not charge for this information.
What if the check has my real name and address on it?
Scammers can obtain your name and address from data breaches or public records. A check with your correct name and address is not proof it is real — you still need to verify the case name on the FTC website and call the official FTC number to confirm.
Do I need to pay taxes on an FTC refund check?
FTC refund checks are generally not taxable because they are restitution, not income. However, tax rules vary depending on the settlement. The FTC will include a letter with the check that explains the tax treatment. If you have questions, you can ask the FTC or consult a tax professional — but the FTC will never ask you to pay a fee upfront.
What if I already cashed a fake check and the bank is asking me to repay it?
Contact your bank immediately and explain that you deposited a fraudulent check. Ask whether they can reverse the charge or waive overdraft fees. Then report the scam to the FTC and your local police. Keep copies of the fake check and any letters that came with it.
How long does it take to receive an FTC refund check after a settlement?
Timing varies by settlement. Some refunds are mailed within weeks of the settlement; others take several months. The FTC website page for each settlement lists the expected timeline. If you were supposed to receive a check and have not, call 1-888-382-7386 to check the status.