The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is set to distribute more than $15.8 million to consumers who were misled by the cash advance app company Cleo AI. This action follows a complaint filed in March 2025, which accused Cleo AI of making deceptive claims about the amounts and timing of cash advances.

The FTC's complaint highlighted that Cleo AI advertised access to 'hundreds of dollars' in cash advances, yet very few consumers received amounts close to what was promised. Additionally, the company was found to charge hidden fees for same-day or instant cash advances, which often did not arrive as quickly as advertised. The complaint also noted that Cleo AI made it difficult for users to cancel their subscriptions.

Payments will be sent to 2,124,796 customers who paid for eligible instant cash advances. Eligible consumers can expect to receive an email regarding their payment between now and October 26, 2026, with PayPal payments beginning on October 27, 2026. Recipients are advised to redeem their payments within 30 days.

For any inquiries regarding the payment process, consumers can contact Rust Consulting Inc. or visit the FTC's website for more information. The FTC emphasizes that it never requires individuals to pay money or provide account information to receive a payment.

In 2025, the FTC's actions resulted in over $435 million in redress to consumers nationwide, showcasing the agency's commitment to protecting consumer rights.