FTC Refunds in February 2026: Who Is Getting Paid?
If you’ve been checking your mail or your PayPal account with curiosity lately, you might be in for a pleasant surprise. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been busy distributing millions of dollars back into the pockets of consumers.
In February 2026, three major cases—ranging from deceptive beauty products to student debt relief schemes—have triggered new rounds of payments. Below, we break down who qualifies, how much is being sent, and what you should do if you receive a payment.
1. AH Media Group: The Hidden Cost of "Free Trials"
The AH Media Group scheme is a classic reminder that "free" doesn’t always mean no cost. The FTC has sent a new round of payments via PayPal to consumers who fell for free trial offers for cosmetics and dietary supplements.
What happened? The FTC alleged that AH Media marketed products like Amabella Allure, Adelina, Parisian Glow, and Tone Fire Garcinia by promising younger skin or weight loss. Users were told they only had to pay a small shipping fee, but the reality was quite different:
Surprise Charges: Consumers were charged approximately $90 for the "trial" products.
Unwanted Subscriptions: Users were automatically enrolled in monthly plans without their consent.
Current Refund Status This isn't the first time the FTC has taken action against them. Following rounds in 2022 and 2024 totaling $5.1 million, this new phase aims to reach those who did not redeem their previous checks.
⚠️ Important Note: If you receive a payment via PayPal, you have 30 days to accept it before it expires.
2. Mission Hills Federal: Student Debt Relief Fraud
For many former students, the promise of reducing their monthly payments was a ray of hope that turned into a nightmare. In February 2026, the FTC sent a second round of checks to victims of a scheme operating under names such as:
Mission Hills Federal
Federal Direct Group
National Secure Processing
The Student Loan Group
The Deception These companies charged illegal upfront fees by falsely promising to forgive or reduce student loan balances. Instead of helping, they kept the money while the students' loan balances remained untouched.
Who receives the payment now? The FTC has sent more than 10,000 additional checks (totaling over $627,000) to individuals who:
Already cashed a first check sent in March 2024.
Paid the defendants a total of more than $340.
Remember: These checks must be cashed within 90 days.
3. Golden Sunrise: Fake Cures for Serious Illnesses
The Golden Sunrise case is particularly sensitive, as it involves false health claims made during times of extreme vulnerability. The FTC sent 578 checks (totaling over $40,700) to consumers who purchased supplements based on deceptive promises to cure COVID-19, cancer, or Parkinson’s disease.
Included Products:
Primary Plan of Care
Emergency D-Virus Plan of Care
Metabolic Plan of Care
Cancer Plan of Care
Good News! Deadline Extension
If you believe you were affected by Golden Sunrise’s practices between 2017 and 2020 but haven't filed a claim, there is still time. The FTC has extended the deadline to submit claims until May 12, 2026.
