Dr. Tom’s Cyber Bits and Tips: The $51 Amazon “Settlement” You Might Be Missing

You might have heard about Amazon agreeing to a massive settlement regarding its Prime subscriptions. You might have even heard that refunds are “automatic.” But if you are reading this, there is a good chance you didn’t get a check in December—and that is exactly the “catch” we need to talk about.

While light users got automatic refunds, there is a “middle class” of victims who are being left out unless they take action.

The Bit The settlement addresses allegations that Amazon used “Dark Patterns,” tricky website designs to get you to click “Yes” when you meant “No,” or made it a nightmare to cancel. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reached a settlement to refund consumers who were tricked into signing up between June 23, 2019, and June 23, 2025.

However, how you get paid depends entirely on how much you used the service.

The Tips Refunds are being split into two distinct groups. Here is how to know which one you are in and what you need to do:

• Group 1: The Automatic Payment Group

  • Who is in it: You signed up during the eligible window (June 2019–June 2025) and used no more than three Prime benefits in a 12-month period.

  • The Action: None. If you are in this group, Amazon should have already sent your payment (distributed by December 24, 2025).

• Group 2: The Claims Process Payment Group (The “Hidden” Group)

  • Who is in it: You signed up during the eligible window, but you used more than three but less than ten Prime benefits in a 12-month period.

  • The Action: You must file a claim. The window for filing opened on January 5, 2026.

  • The Notices: If you are eligible, you should receive a notice via email or mail by January 23, 2026.

  • The “Check Box” Requirement: To get your $51, you will need to fill out the claim form and check a box confirming that you either:

    1. Unintentionally enrolled in Prime, OR

    2. Tried to cancel through the online flow but were unable to do so.

  • Prime benefits include services such as free two-day shipping, Prime Video streaming and Amazon Music.

• Watch for Scams: Because notices are going out right now (January 2026), scammers are active. Real notices will direct you to the official settlement site. They will not ask for your password or social security number.

It’s not every day you get a second chance to correct a “mistake” click from three years ago. Check your email for that notice by January 23rd, find your PIN, and get your $51 back. Stay savvy, and I’ll see you next week!

Feeling lost in the digital world? Dr. Tom is here to help!