The Federal Trade Commission is sending refunds totaling $15.8 million to 2,124,796 people who paid fees for cash advances through the Cleo AI app. The FTC filed a complaint in March 2025 saying Cleo AI advertised cash advances of hundreds of dollars but delivered far less. The app also charged extra fees for same-day access and made cancellation difficult, with some customers charged monthly fees even after requesting to stop.
Cleo AI agreed in March 2025 to pay $17 million to settle the case without admitting wrongdoing. The FTC announced the refund distribution on October 8, 2026. Eligible customers received notification emails by October 26, 2026, with PayPal payments beginning the next day.
The average refund is about $7, though amounts vary based on individual fees paid. Each customer has 30 days from receiving payment to redeem it.
Real refund notices come from Rust Consulting, the court-appointed administrator, and arrive as PayPal payments rather than requests to log into your bank. The FTC never asks you to pay a fee to receive money owed to you. You can verify a notice by calling Rust Consulting at 877-788-4958 before taking action.
The FTC has already identified eligible customers using Cleo AI's records. You do not need to apply. Check your email and spam folder for a notice from Rust Consulting or a PayPal payment linked to Cleo AI.
Under the FTC's order, Cleo AI must now clearly disclose advance amounts and fees upfront and stop charging members who request cancellation.