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If you took out an online payday loan from a company affiliated with AMG Services, you may be getting a check in the mail from the FTC. The $505 million the FTC is returning to consumers makes this the largest refund program the agency has ever administered.

The FTC sued AMG and Scott A. Tucker for deceptive payday lending. When consumers took out loans, AMG said they would charge a one-time finance fee. Instead, AMG made multiple illegal withdrawals from peoples’ bank accounts and charged hidden fees. As a result, people paid far more for the loans than they had agreed to.

In 2016 the FTC won a court case against AMG and Scott Tucker. Then in 2017, a jury convicted Tucker and his attorney of crimes related to the lending scheme. The FTC and Department of Justice are using money obtained in both court actions to give refunds to consumers.

Here are answers to questions about AMG refunds.

Who will get a refund? Checks are being sent to consumers who took out loans between January 2008 and January 2013 from these AMG-related companies: 500FastCash, Advantage Cash Services, Ameriloan, OneClickCash, Star Cash Processing, UnitedCashLoans, and USFastCash.

How many people will get refunds? More than 1.1 million people will get refunds.

How does the FTC know who to send the checks to? The FTC and a refund administrator have used AMG’s business records to identify eligible consumers and calculate their refunds.

I’m eligible for a refund. What do I need to do? If you borrowed from one of the lenders listed above between January 2008 and January 2013, you don’t need to do anything. The checks are being mailed to eligible consumers automatically. There is no application process. If you borrowed from one of those lenders before January 2008, please call 1-866-730-8147.

How can I get more information? Visit the FTC’s AMG refund page or call 1-866-730-8147.

Three tips from the FTC:

  1. If you get a check, deposit or cash it within 60 days.
  2. The FTC never asks people to pay money or give information to cash refund checks. If someone asks you to pay to get a refund from the FTC, it’s a scam.
  3. The FTC has advice if you’re thinking about a payday loan or an online payday loan.
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72lilmama
October 04, 2018
Hi I know my boyfriend & I both used the payday loans. I got my check on Oct 1, he hasn't recieved anything? Did they mail all the checks or is it an ongoing mailing?
Notabadsurprise
October 04, 2018
Mine was only $56 and it also said partial refund. I too paid a long back quickly and they kept asking for the loan to be repaid several times over. Wish it was more but hey better than nothing.
MrsRob
October 04, 2018
Received 4 checks totaling around $6,000. Deposited into my bank account and all have cleared. Definitely legit.
Jmathew077
October 04, 2018
people deposit the checks and just don’t touch the amount until 7 days. There’s the FTC agent, website, and 1000’s of actual people saying these checks are legit. If its not legit then your bank will just take the money back. Nothing to be afraid about
twest
October 04, 2018
What do you do if the check you received is for someone who is recently deceased
FTC Staff
October 16, 2018

In reply to by twest

If you got a check for someone who recently died, and you are in charge of that person's estate, you can call Rust Consulting, the company that the FTC hired to manage the refund process. Call  1-866-730-8147.  They will explain what to do.

christmasbaby
October 04, 2018
Hey FTC, I used several of these companies listed under AMG services, does that mean I receive a check from each of them individually or one check?
FTC Staff
October 05, 2018

In reply to by christmasbaby

The FTC tried to combine information about accounts so it could send one check to each person. But sometimes it wasn't clear whether information was about one person or two people. When information was not clear, we did not combine it. For example, we did not combine accounts that had a maiden name and a married name, or accounts that had one name but two addresses. When we saw that, we sent separate checks.

Kruuth
October 05, 2018

In reply to by FTC Staff

I should have received a check but did not. I called the number provided and sat on hold for two hours and couldn't get past the on hold. What can I do?
72lilmama
October 10, 2018

In reply to by FTC Staff

Is there a way to look up a persons name who thinks should get a check but hasnt?
FTC Staff
October 16, 2018

In reply to by 72lilmama

You can call the company that the FTC hired to manage the refund process at 1-866-730-8147.

Shortstuff
October 04, 2018
I received a check in my Mothers name, my mother passed away in 2014, she had online payday loans, what do I do with the check? I have tried to call the number in the letter for 4 days, left a number to receive a call back and nothing.
FTC Staff
October 16, 2018

In reply to by Shortstuff

If you got a check for someone who is dead, and you are in charge of that person's estate, you can call Rust Consulting, the company that the FTC hired to manage the refund process. Call 1-866-730-8147. They will explain what to do.

TeGre
October 04, 2018
I GOT MY SECOND CHECK TODAY....I'M A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. IF THIS CHECK IS NO GOOD, I'M DOOMED, BUT IT'S FROMTHE FTC AND THEY GIVE YOU ALL THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO VERIFY THE LEGITIMACY..... QUIT QUESTIONING BLESSINGS.... WE JUST CANNOT BE SATISFIED....
KL
October 05, 2018

In reply to by TeGre

TreGe - when did you receive your first one? 2) did you have a different last name or move? Thanks!
Diane68
October 04, 2018
If it says “Partial Payment” does that mean another check will follow or is this all we are getting back?
Rolltide
October 04, 2018
I lost my job August 12th I only received $80.36 I am thankful I pray for another, a much higher one.
Srd1980
October 04, 2018
I just received my check today. 745. It's in my name before I got married. Will see if my bank will accept it tomorrow.
Srd1980
October 05, 2018

In reply to by Srd1980

Mobile deposited mine and it was deposited within 2 hours. So excited.
Bev J
October 04, 2018
Do your loans have to be paid off before receiving a check
FTC Staff
October 05, 2018

In reply to by Bev J

This check is a partial refund of fees you already paid to AMG Services, Inc. The amount of your check is less than the total amount you paid to AMG Services, Inc. when it illegally charged you undisclosed and inflated fees

Pyrodispatcher
October 05, 2018
Yes the refund is for real and if you want to see the person who ripped you off, watch Netflix “Dirty Money” he’s episode 2 called “payday” he cries a River and I have no sympathy whatsoever for him living his lavish lifestyle while they ripped hard working Americans off. He got what he deserved-in fact I think 16 years in prison isn’t enough! And to his defenders-you are ridiculous thinkingbhe didn’t do anything wrong, if he took your money illegally you’d be singing a different tune. Thank you for some financial reimbursement-I appreciate it! Thankful in California
ceh
October 08, 2018

In reply to by Pyrodispatcher

Thanks for the recommendation on the show. I've never wanted to punch someone through the screen like I did when watching that. It's sad that he, his family, and his friends honestly think he did nothing wrong. Thank you FTC for fighting for us.
JZ06
October 05, 2018
Is there any place to go or call to see how much we should or will be getting or even getting a check?
cessylee
October 05, 2018
I received a check and my husband received his check. We did the same amount at the same time frame. His refund was more than double my refund. Why would there be a huge discrepancy?
Herbie
October 05, 2018
Got one too..
Lorrie R.
October 05, 2018
I also received one for $247. Nice surprise I also almost threw it away thinking it was junk mail. Now I'm wondering if I accidentally threw one away I received earlier in the week.
Jojo
October 07, 2018

In reply to by Lorrie R.

Oh no. I usually just throw things away that look like junk mail. Now you have me wondering if maybe I threw a check away too. Wonder how we find out if one was sent that may have been thrown away.
Mcg
October 05, 2018
Do you get more than one check if you used more than one loan company?
FTC Staff
October 05, 2018

In reply to by Mcg

The FTC tried to combine information about accounts so it could send one check to each person. But sometimes it wasn't clear whether information was about one person or two people. When information was not clear, we did not combine it. For example, we did not combine accounts that had a maiden name and a married name, or accounts that had one name but two addresses. When we saw that, we sent separate checks.

Sallymae
October 05, 2018
I received mines today, it is light.
Bumpers1982
October 05, 2018
I'm waiting on mine. I called and they said I was getting 1 but I hadn't received it yet.
Dianemccoy 58
October 05, 2018

In reply to by Bumpers1982

Hi. Do you mind telling me where you called to verify you will be receiving a check?
Patchkatt4
October 07, 2018

In reply to by Bumpers1982

Who did you call?I had several loans ...curious if I will get one?
DR
October 05, 2018
Is USBank the only bank we can cash these at instead of depositing into our bank accounts??
FTC Staff
October 05, 2018

In reply to by DR

No, you aren't required to go to US Bank to cash the check.

Randy912
October 05, 2018

In reply to by FTC Staff

How do you know if you'll get more than one check I took several loans during this time period only got one for $198.89 the2nd
New Car
October 05, 2018
I got mine on Oct 1 for $2,852.74. My bank put a one-day hold on it but funds were available to me the next day.
Randy912
October 05, 2018
Received my check for $198.89 took to wal-Mart and was verified and cashed in less than a minute or so legit it is now the5th and no problem
dorichter
October 05, 2018

In reply to by Randy912

So Walmart was able to cash yours? We don't live anywhere near a US Bank. I received two check, mobile deposited the larger one (but there is a 10 day hold) . I was going to try and cash the smaller amount at a check cashing location.
butthead
October 05, 2018
I Got This check in mail though is no good i was going throw in trash but after reading ftc web site i take to my bank i have no problem cashing it thank to the one only true God who said blessed you
Rolltide
October 05, 2018
How can I check to see if I received another one and that I may have thrown away?
DI
October 05, 2018
Hi Bridget - I just left US Bank and they said that although they've cashed many checks that for the one issued to me (not sure about others) says the individual who issued needs to make sure the check is on "positive pay" and thus they could not cash the check that was provided to me.
LRM
October 05, 2018
Per the website, it answers the question: Who will get a refund? Checks are being sent to consumers who took out loans between January 2008 and January 2013 from these AMG-related companies: 500FastCash, Advantage Cash Services, Ameriloan, OneClickCash, Star Cash Processing, UnitedCashLoans, and USFastCash. However, I heard not everyone is getting refunds even if they took out loans during this time period. Is that true? I would think they charge everyone the same high rates?
CRIZZY
October 05, 2018
I received mine October 1.2018 for $5,700.. I deposit it and it cleared! Perfect timing for my birthday!!!
Candace
October 05, 2018
yes, I got my check for $1990.00 yesterday. I was in SHOCK! Brought to US Bank this morning, since I deposited it before 3pm, it was available right away!
Renae
October 05, 2018
Just wandering why some will not get loans although they used these companies during the time period stated ?
nancy
October 05, 2018
I got a check for partial refund I had a lot of payday loans and I am in the system twice what about a full refund