A refund check from the FTC? How to check it safely

Some letters and checks from the government are legitimate. Some are tricks. Here's how to check without taking a risk.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) does send real refunds. In October 2026, it began mailing 65,022 checks, more than $9.8 million in all, to people who lost money through Walmart's wire transfer service. A company called Rust Consulting runs those refunds for the FTC. The FTC says to cash a check within 90 days.

Scammers pretend to be the FTC, too. So don't decide at first glance. Use these three steps.

1. Pause. Look for a payment demand. The FTC says it “never requires people to pay money or provide account information to get a payment.” It also says it will never threaten you, tell you to transfer money to “get a refund,” or promise you a prize. And the FTC doesn't have “agents” who help you recover money.
2. Check the official list yourself. Don't use a link or phone number from the letter, email, or text. Type ftc.gov/enforcement/refunds into your browser yourself. That FTC page lists every active refund program and the official phone number for each one.
3. Choose your next step. If the program is on the FTC's list and no one wants payment or account details, you can call the number shown on ftc.gov. If anyone asks you to pay to get a refund, stop. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.