FTC sends refunds to small businesses
The FTC is sending 5,588 checks totaling more than $2.6 million to businesses enrolled with First American Payment Systems and charged hidden or unauthorized fees. If you get a check, please cash it within 90 days.
The FTC is also mailing claim forms to 16,181 businesses who may be eligible for a refund if they were charged an early termination fee when they cancelled their enrollment with First American Payment Systems.
If you got a letter with a claim number, then you can request a refund online at secure.FirstAmericanPaymentSettlement.com.
What was the settlement about?
The FTC sued First American Payment Systems, and the company paid $4.9 million to settle. The FTC alleged that the payment processor used misleading sales pitches and charged hidden fees.
First American Payment Systems used sales offices with many different business names, including:
- Eliot Management Group
- Cypress Bay Solutions
- Sundance Payment Solutions
- Billy Goat, LLC
- Chelle Communications
- Appstar Financial
- Payscape Advisors
- Blue Dog Business Services
Am I eligible to apply for a refund?
You may apply for a payment if your business was enrolled with First American Payment Systems between June 2017 and April 2020 and they charged you an early termination fee.
We sent letters with Claim IDs to businesses who are eligible to apply. If you need help filing a claim, call the claims administrator at 1-877-595-0114.
How do I apply for a refund?
Apply online at secure.FirstAmericanPaymentSettlement.com. You will need your claim number. We sent Claim IDs by mail.
What is the deadline to apply for a refund?
To be eligible, you must apply by May 7, 2025.
How much will my refund be?
Your refund amount will depend on several factors, including how many businesses file a claim.
When will I get my refund?
We plan to send payments in 2025. We will update this page when we have more information.
Where can I get more information?
For more information or help with your claim, call the administrator at 1-877-595-0114 or view frequently asked questions about the refund process.