A new refund program could matter to Albanian Americans who used the Cleo app to borrow money before payday. On October 8, 2026, the Federal Trade Commission announced that more than $15.8 million will be returned to customers affected by the company’s alleged misleading advertising and subscription practices. The payments will cover approximately 2.12 million customers who paid for eligible instant cash advances. Federal Trade Commission
The case focused on the difference between what customers were promised and what they actually received. According to the FTC’s complaint, Cleo advertised access to hundreds of dollars, although almost no customers received amounts close to those advertised. The agency also alleged that customers paid extra for fast delivery but sometimes received their money later than promised. Cancelling subscriptions was another concern raised in the complaint. Federal Trade Commission
For households using cash advances to cover groceries, transportation or another expense before their next paycheck, the timing and fees can make a difference. This announcement is particularly relevant to readers who personally used Cleo and paid for its instant advance service.
Eligible customers should receive an email notification between October 8 and October 26, 2026. The FTC says notifications will come from no-reply@consumersentinel.gov, with PayPal payments beginning on October 27. Recipients must accept their payment within 30 days. The announcement does not establish one payment amount for every customer. Federal Trade Commission
Anyone with questions about eligibility or a payment can contact the refund administrator, Rust Consulting, at 1-877-788-4958. The FTC says consumers will never be required to pay money or provide account information to receive an FTC refund.