FTC Issues Redress Payments to Consumers Impacted by GOAT’s Deceptive Shipping, Refund Policies

The Federal Trade Commission has begun sending redress payments to 6,205 consumers affected by GOAT’s alleged deceptive practices, including failures to honor refund policies and unreasonable shipping delays. The payments, totaling over $736,000, stem from a 2025 settlement resolving FTC allegations that GOAT violated the Mail, Internet or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule by not processing priority orders as promised or offering timely refunds. Consumers who did not receive prior refunds will receive checks or PayPal payments, with deadlines to cash or redeem within 90 or 30 days, respectively.

GOAT, an online marketplace for sneakers, apparel, and accessories, was accused of misleading consumers by not providing refunds for deficient products despite its ‘Buyer Protection’ policy. The FTC alleged that GOAT frequently denied full refunds for inauthentic, incorrect, or misdescribed items, often offering only partial refunds or in-store credits instead. The settlement required GOAT to directly refund over $736,000 to affected customers as part of the resolution.

Most consumers will receive paper checks in the mail, while others will receive PayPal payments, with instructions to redeem within specified timeframes. The FTC advises recipients to cash checks within 90 days and redeem PayPal payments within 30 days, as outlined on the payment materials. Consumers with questions can contact the refund administrator, JND Legal Administration, at 1-888-970-2410 or visit the FTC website for additional details.

The FTC emphasized that it never requires payment or sensitive account information to process refunds and warned consumers about potential scams. Affected individuals should verify communications through official FTC channels and avoid sharing personal details with unverified sources. The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting consumers and promoting fair business practices.