FTC Sends Refunds to People Who Lost Money to a Sweepstakes Scam
The FTC is sending payments totaling nearly $25 million to more than 240,000 people who lost money to a prize scheme operated by Next-Gen, Inc., and related companies.
The FTC and the State of Missouri sued these companies for promoting fake sweepstakes and “game of skill” contests that promised cash prizes. Participants paid a fee but didn’t get the promised prizes. Many people paid the fee several times before realizing there was no prize.
The FTC is coordinating with international partners to ensure that people worldwide get back some of the money they lost to this scam.
If you live in the U.S. or Canada
The FTC is sending checks to people in the U.S. and Canada who paid money to Next-Gen. Please cash your check within 90 days.
If you live in the U.K.
The U.K. National Trading Standards Scams Team working with partners will deliver Mastercard prepaid cards to people who live in the U.K. and paid money to Next-Gen. Your card will be ready to use when you get it. You won’t need to activate it. You can use it in person and online where Mastercard is accepted.
If you got a prepaid card, you can use this link to transfer funds to your current account.
If you live outside of the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
If you live outside the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. and you paid money to Next-Gen, you’ll get your money via PayPal. Click here to get your payment. You must request your PayPal payment by June 30, 2023.
Links to Local Information in Other Countries
For More Information
You can find answers to common questions about refund payments on our FAQ page. If you have any other questions, please call 1-833-721-2728 or +1-612-509-2644.