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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.
Search Terms
Concerned
October 03, 2018
I will wait to see how many checks clear first! Taking to bank to have them verify if it is legit! Be careful because you will have to pay money back to your bank if it bounces!
jksmokey203
October 03, 2018
Just received two checks today. One for $38 and one for $479. I used these companies when I was in a bind and had to close bank account cause there were so many fees that even when I got paid I was negative and had to keep borrowing. Thank you FTC
Kelly Jo
October 03, 2018
My bank wouldn't cash the check, they said even with the explanation attached doesn't mean it's legit.
FTC Staff
October 05, 2018

In reply to by Kelly Jo

If you have trouble cashing or depositing the check, please call the company the FTC hired to manage the refund process. That is Rust Consulting, at 1-866-730-8147. Rust Consulting will tell you how to verify that the check is legitimate.

Wheresmine73
October 03, 2018
I believe that I have used at least one of the companies mentioned. But I have not received a check. How can I find out if I will receive a check or not?
M.G.
October 03, 2018
I have used several different places to get payday loans for years...I hope I get a check..I could sure use it now.! My friend just got one for over 1,400 dollars...it's legit....I was using these places way before 2008 as well...not sure what I should do. I used them until they stopped doing it in New York
Wazzupxman
October 03, 2018
i got almost 1200 money that i wasnt expecting which will help big time at a time like this in my life
Ms
October 03, 2018
Will checks be re-issued? I through check away thinking it was a scam. Never knew there was a settlement.
Jrb79
October 03, 2018
I was at an old address ...anyone know how i can get my check ?
Tammy
October 03, 2018
How do I find out if owed I called that number waited on hold a hour then they came on and hung up
Got a check too
October 03, 2018
My check was $500.00 and was able to deposite it and it got cleared. It’ says partial so died that mean I’m getting more?
Jolly
October 03, 2018
Has anyone checked cleared?
Anonymous1
October 03, 2018
Will someone please let me know if these checks are real? And how long does it take to clear once it's deposited into your account. I'm just really skeptical because nothing like this ever happens to me. Please help
Nooky85
October 03, 2018
Since this was a partial refund, will the remainder of the refund be issued later?
FTC Staff
October 05, 2018

In reply to by Nooky85

The letter you got from the FTC said your check is a partial refund. “Partial refund” in this case means that 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. The FTC has sent out all the money that is available.

Jmathew077
October 03, 2018
Can you just cash it instead of just deposit it
Julie
October 03, 2018
I got a check yesterday for $1575! Cashed it today no problems. Fiance called the number provided with it and confirmed. Very nice surprise!
Routing#
October 03, 2018
Why is my first comment / question not on here I am questioning the routing # it's only 6 #'s shouldn't it be 9 numbers
SweetiePee
October 06, 2018

In reply to by Routing#

The first six numbers on the check at the bottom are the check number. The second set of numbers are the routing number. I did the same thing too till I noticed it was the check number. Googled the routing number and it matched up with the USBANK that it’s drawn on. My bank put seven day hold on mine just in case it’s not real. Waiting...
Pm41
October 04, 2018
I got my check for $2,585 and was suprised when I got it and also thought it was a scam but did the research and found out it wasnt. Was kinda confused when it said “ partial refund” but I’m happy with what I got! Thanks to the FTC and the people who faught for this and made my day! WATCH OUT FOR THOSE ONLINE LOAN SHARKS PPL!
Marie_67
October 04, 2018
Bank of America told me it was fraud
Scoobert
October 04, 2018
How do you know if you are entitled to a refund?
Mary
October 04, 2018
Got mine today $994.00
Stephanie
October 04, 2018
I mobile deposited mine because I didn’t realize that I shouldn’t and my bank called me saying I am a victim of fraud and that the check is not legitimate. Please advise on what I should do.
FTC Staff
October 05, 2018

In reply to by Stephanie

If you have trouble cashing or depositing the check, please call the company the FTC hired to manage the refund process. That is Rust Consulting, at 1-866-730-8147. Rust Consulting will tell you how to verify that the check is legitimate.

Jjm
October 04, 2018
Ameriloan and United cash loans got for me for several hundred dollars back in 2011 and 2012, yet I have not received one red cent of it back, not even a check unless it takes a few days to get it.
Superman18
October 04, 2018
Got mine Oct.1st 2018 I'm shock and is big amount $7k..but I loan from one click cash,US fast cash, United cash loan...all this is pay day loan is insane they help you but the interest will kill you... Any way ..I deposit the check and and my bank said is legit ..because there's a watermark at the back of the check..and we call US bank...so let's see if I got the money in my bank within this week ... Thanks FTC... I always report to FTC all this scammers...just be aware people....be smart and be protected...I believed in karma......
Cathy
October 04, 2018
How about thank-you f.t.c. for watching out ! We are lucky to have received any money back so let's be grateful and try to stay away from these on-line payday predators.
Deb
October 04, 2018
I got 2 - headed to the bank to ask them if it was legit. She called US Bank and verified they were good / deposited and. Ow credited to my account. Nice to get a little something back from someone who ripped us off in our time of desperate need....being taken advantage of when you need some help stinks but thanks to the FTC we at least got part of our money back and what a surprise! Thank you FTC!!!! Made my day!!’
lvthomas95
October 04, 2018
I received my check today for $464.00.
Janice
October 04, 2018
Are these checks taxable?
FTC Staff
October 19, 2018

In reply to by Janice

The FTC doesn't give tax advice; you can talk to the IRS or a tax professional. I can tell you that the FTC will not send people an IRS Form 1099 related to the partial refund checks.

dwl1820
October 04, 2018
I received a check in the mail yesterday. Strange thing is that it's my address but another person's name on the check. Calling the 800 number now to see what the hell is going on.
Surprised
October 04, 2018
I recd 2 checks too. us bank was extremely difficult to deal with.they wouldn't honor the checks,I didn't have an acct with them,couldn't locate me in lawsuit,acct was only set up a few days prior to check issuance.I tried explaining that those were not my issues and the checks were issued by your bank,you should honor them.pretty pissed and had to go to my bank. I too thought I was getting scammed as I did not know I was a party to this.happy surprise but us bank sucked
ninjackie81
October 05, 2018

In reply to by Surprised

I had the same issue with them so I went to my credit union bank and the lovely teller there was able to verify the check before depositing. US Bank was also fined in this case so I am sure there are some employees that are leery of cashing it. I had been the second person in an hour since they had opened to present them with this type of check but because mine was a considerable amount more than the first one, they were worried about fraud. I let this particular branch know to be prepared for A TON more of non US bank customers, probably with amounts higher than mine, coming to cash these checks within the next week and to do their research and be prepared. US bank should have warned all their employees before they were sent out about this issue so that they would all be prepared for this. Good Luck !
Juscheckin
October 04, 2018
Was wondering if it was legit, came to read the comments
Miracle
October 04, 2018
It's legit. I received mine and it was over 3,000. Boy was I happy!!!
floridadeb
October 04, 2018
My husband received a check on October 1. I also had payday loans through the same companies but did not receive a check, could I still receive it or should I call?
Tyga
October 04, 2018
Happy, happy, HAPPY!! Yes it's for real, got mine yesterday for over $1500 - GOD is GOOD! Thank you FTC for locating me.
MsConnie
October 04, 2018
I received a check on 10/1. I deposited the check on 10/3. Today, I checked my bank account online and looked at the copy of the check, which had "COPY" and "VOID" watermarks in the background. I was concerned when I did not see a watermark on the back of the document as noted on the check. Did you send me a copy and not a real check??
Young425
October 04, 2018
My husband and I both used several of these services over that time period, applying for the, separately. He has received 3 checks this week and I have not received any yet. Are they still in the process of being sent out? I’ve tried calling the 866 number many times but can’t get through to speak with anyone.
clg
October 05, 2018
HOW COME WE ARE GETTING PARTIAL AMOUNT PAID AND NOT ALL I KNOW I PAID THEM BACK WAY MORE THAN THE MONEY I GOT NOT UNDERSTANDING AND THE NUMBER TO CALL IS A JOKE IT CUTS IN AND OUT ( TRIED FROM LANDLINE AND CELL) CANT UNDERSTAND THE GUY HELP ME TO UNDERSTAND CAN I CHECK A LIST ALSO IS IT ONLINE LOAN ONLY OR IN STORE TOO CAUSE I USED 3 OF THOSE PLACES IN STORE!!!!!!!!!!!
FTC Staff
October 05, 2018

In reply to by clg

The letter you got from the FTC said your check is a partial refund. “Partial refund” in this case means that 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. The FTC has sent out all the money that is available.

Checks went out to people who took out loans between January 2008 and January 2013 from: 500FastCash, Advantage Cash Services, Ameriloan, OneClickCash, Star Cash Processing, UnitedCashLoans, and USFastCash.

Newday123
October 04, 2018
My husband received his check and I did not. I hope it is in the mail today when I get home. I have used at least 3 of these companies numerous times from 2008 to 2012! I am praying hard.
BPB
October 04, 2018
It seems it depends on who you bank with my bank has a 5 business day hold on my check I deposited just in case the check bounces. If everything is good it should clear 5 days after deposit.
Lmkn1210
October 04, 2018
If i took more then 1 loan will I receive a refund for all loans? Is there a way to findout if a second check will be issued?
FTC Staff
October 04, 2018

In reply to by Lmkn1210

The letter you got from the FTC said your check is a partial refund. “Partial refund” means that 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. The FTC has sent out all the money that is available.

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.

retired
October 04, 2018
What information did they use to find me?
sandi2u
October 04, 2018
So, these checks only come to people that took online payday loans out? Not to people they took out payday loans through cash advance ?
FTC Staff
October 04, 2018

In reply to by sandi2u

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.