The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has opened a refund claims process for consumers who were charged without authorization for subscriptions to the anonymous messaging app NGL. This action follows allegations made in July 2024 by the FTC and the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office that NGL and two of its co-founders violated several laws related to their app.
According to the agencies, NGL and its co-founders marketed the service unfairly to children and teens. They were accused of sending fake messages that appeared to be from real people, which misled users into signing up for paid subscriptions by falsely promising to reveal message senders’ identities. The complaint also stated that NGL did not obtain proper consent for recurring charges.
A settlement order prohibits NGL and its co-founders from marketing anonymous messaging apps to anyone under 18 years old. It also requires them to pay $4.5 million, which will be used by the FTC to provide refunds.
Consumers eligible for refunds are those who paid for NGL Pro between January 2022 and July 2024 and experienced unauthorized charges. Individuals must be at least 18 years old to submit a claim form; parents or guardians can file on behalf of minors. All claims will undergo review before eligibility is determined.
Refund claims can be submitted online at www.ftc.gov/NGL until April 6, 2026. The FTC will assess all submissions, with payment amounts depending on how many valid claims are received. Consumers seeking more information may contact the claims administrator by phone at 800-351-7161 or via email at info@NGLRefund.com.
The FTC emphasized its role in promoting competition as well as protecting and educating consumers: "The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and protect and educate consumers. The FTC will never demand money, make threats, tell you to transfer money, or promise you a prize." The agency encourages consumers to learn more about related topics or report fraud through their official websites.
