Paid a Bill Through Doxo? You May Be Owed a Refund

What the FTC found

If you ever paid a utility, car loan, or other bill and ended up on a site called Doxo, this news is for you.

The Federal Trade Commission says Doxo used misleading search ads to make people think they were on their real biller's official payment page. In fact, the FTC says, Doxo did not have a relationship with most of the companies it claimed were in its payment network.

On top of that, the FTC says Doxo added extra 'delivery fees' that were not clearly disclosed, and signed some people up for a recurring subscription without clearly explaining the cost.

How much money is going back to consumers

Under the proposed settlement, Doxo will pay $2.1 million. That money is set aside for consumer redress, which means refunds to people who were harmed.

The order also bars Doxo and two of its co-founders from pretending to be affiliated with billers, from hiding fees, and from charging people without their clear consent.

The FTC will never demand money, make threats, or promise you a prize. If a refund is offered to you, the official process is free. You never have to pay anyone to receive money you are owed.

How to avoid sneaky add-on fees

The safest way to pay a bill is to go straight to your biller. Type your utility, phone, or loan company's web address yourself, or use the phone number printed on your actual bill.

Be careful with search ads. The top result is not always the official site. Look closely at the web address before you enter your card or bank info.

Watch for extra 'delivery fees' at checkout and for boxes that sign you up for a subscription. If the total cost or the subscription terms are not clear, stop and go directly to your biller instead.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay anything to get a refund?

No. Refunds from the FTC are free. The FTC will never ask you to pay a fee, transfer money, or hand over gift cards to get money you are owed.

How will I know if a refund contact is real?

The FTC does not demand money or make threats. Watch for official notice tied to the case, and check details against the FTC's own website before you respond to anyone.

What is the safest way to pay a bill online?

Go straight to your biller. Type the company's web address yourself or call the number on your paper bill. Avoid clicking the top search ad, which may not be the official site.

What if I was charged a fee or subscription I did not agree to?

You can report it for free at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Reporting helps the FTC spot patterns and take action.