In September 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), through its Bureau of Consumer Protection and in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies, distributed millions in refunds to consumers across the United States. These refunds addressed multiple cases involving deceptive practices, personal information misuse, and unfair online services that violated the FTC Act, Section 5 of the FTC Act, and related federal laws.
The refund program was handled by the refund administrator, Rust Consulting, Inc., under federal oversight. Consumers affected by misleading advertising, unlawful subscription traps, and data misuse received compensation through mailed checks and electronic payments, reinforcing the FTC’s ongoing commitment to protecting consumer rights. Such cases often involve violations of consumer protection law, which safeguards individuals from deceptive business practices and ensures accountability for unfair marketing or billing schemes.
Progressive Leasing Refunds
The Federal Trade Commission issued more than $27 million in refunds to customers who had used Progressive Leasing’s rent-to-own plans to purchase high-value items such as furniture, jewelry, and electronics.
Progressive Leasing was accused of deceptive practices that violated Section 5 of the FTC Act, including false claims about “no interest” and “same-as-cash” pricing. Many consumers ended up paying more than expected through misleading payment methods and long-term contracts.
This second wave of payments over 1.2 million refund checks was part of an ongoing refund program supervised by the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. Consumers are advised to cash checks within 90 days and to safeguard their personal information when confirming refund authenticity through the federal government.
Coaching Department Refunds
The FTC sent another series of refunds to individuals misled by the Coaching Department and Apply Knowledge, both accused of violating the Telemarketing Sales Rule.
These companies falsely promised participants they could earn large incomes through coaching services and online services that supposedly taught business development. In reality, victims faced unlawful billing practices, unauthorized charges, and false claims of guaranteed profits.
The most recent round of 8,000 refund checks totaled $252,000, following earlier distributions that reached nearly $29 million. Consumers should report any suspicious communication or identity theft attempts linked to refund claims to law enforcement or the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network.
Blueprint to Wealth Settlement
The FTC also provided over $666,000 in refunds to more than 4,200 consumers harmed by Blueprint to Wealth, a fraudulent gig work company that used dark patterns and deceptive marketing to sell costly “done-for-you” business opportunities.
The case was investigated under Section 5 of the FTC Act and the Restore Shoppers Confidence Act, addressing unwanted purchases and false advertising claims. Refunds are to be cashed within 90 days, while PayPal transfers must be accepted within 30 days.
This case exemplifies the FTC’s vigilance against scams that misuse consumer personal information and employ manipulative online interfaces that violate Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and consumer privacy protections.
University of Phoenix Settlement
The University of Phoenix refund distribution continued under FTC supervision, delivering over $432,000 to more than 21,000 students who were misled by deceptive recruitment and advertising practices.
The FTC found that the university falsely claimed to collaborate with major corporations including Microsoft, Adobe, and Yahoo to create job opportunities for graduates. These false representations violated the FTC Act and Consumer Protection Act principles.
The claims process followed prior settlements totaling $48.7 million in March 2021 and June 2023. Recipients must cash paper checks within 90 days or accept PayPal refunds within 30 days. This case aligns with broader federal oversight from the Department of Education regarding student debt relief services and accountability under the California Consumer Financial Protection Law.
Amazon Prime Settlement
In one of the most significant 2025 cases, the Federal Trade Commission reached a $1.5 billion settlement with Amazon regarding its Prime subscriptions and Prime membership program.
The FTC alleged that Amazon enrolled millions of consumers without their consent and intentionally made it difficult to cancel, violating the FTC Act, the Automatic Renewal Law, and Section 5’s prohibition on deceptive practices. The company’s use of dark patterns and misleading interfaces also raised concerns under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule for its handling of minors’ personal information.
Refunds will be distributed through an automatic refund program, with eligible consumers receiving payments by December 25, 2025, and additional claims available through a claims process in 2026. Amazon also faces a $1 billion civil penalty and must end unlawful billing practices and design changes that exploit consumers.
The settlement followed coordinated action by the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, ensuring compliance with federal and state privacy regulations.
Broader Consumer Protection Context
These enforcement actions highlight how the Federal Trade Commission, under guidance from the White House, continues to strengthen oversight of online security, Data Security Programs, and privacy violations affecting millions of users.
Recent actions against Epic Games, Publishers Clearing House, and RevMountain LLC have also demonstrated the agency’s willingness to confront companies violating the FTC Act, Telemarketing Sales Rule, and Children’s Online Protection Act.
The FTC encourages consumers to visit federal government websites to verify refunds, report scams, and file disputed claims through official channels. It also advises reviewing credit and consumer account statements to detect potential unauthorized charges or signs of identity theft after receiving refunds.
FTC and Legal Frameworks
Each case enforced by the FTC operates under specific legal authorities, including:
- Section 5 and Section 8 of the FTC Act prohibiting unfair or deceptive acts.
- The Hart-Scott-Rodino Act governing corporate mergers and acquisitions.
- The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act protecting minors’ digital data.
- The California Consumer Financial Protection Law ensures fair marketplace conduct.
- The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s coordination with state entities for public restitution.
These actions reflect how U.S. law enforcement agencies, in cooperation with the Federal Trade Commission, safeguard public safety, maintain fair competition, and enforce compliance within the digital economy.
Final Thoughts
The FTC September 2025 refund program reaffirms the agency’s mission to uphold consumer trust and transparency. Through cooperation with the Bureau of Consumer Protection, law enforcement, and other agencies, the FTC ensures that corporations cannot exploit online services, personal data, or Prime subscriptions through deceptive practices.
Consumers are reminded to protect their personal information, verify all refunds via federal government websites, and stay informed about their rights under the FTC Act and other federal laws.
About Ted Law
The Ted Law Firm, we stand with consumers who have suffered losses due to deceptive practices, privacy violations, or unfair corporate conduct.We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg.Whether you’ve been misled by online services, impacted by subscription traps, or affected by unlawful refund programs, we’re here to help.Contact us today for a free consultation
