If you've ever used Cleo, the AI-based cash advance app, you might soon find a little something extra in your inbox - courtesy of the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC announced last week that it is sending more than $15.8 million to users affected by what it calls "Cleo AI's deceptive claims about the amounts and timing of available cash advances and the company's hard-to-cancel subscriptions."

In a complaint filed last year, the FTC alleged that Cleo misled customers about how quickly they could access cash advances and how much they would receive. According to the agency, Cleo suggested users could get "access to 'hundreds of dollars' in cash advances when almost no one received even close to the advertised amounts." So, the promise of hundreds, the reality of tens - or less.

Cleo was also accused of charging hidden fees for same-day or instant cash advances, only for the advance to take until the next day "often." Because nothing says "instant" like waiting until tomorrow. The company also allegedly made it difficult for users to cancel their subscriptions - a classic move in the subscription economy.

In March, Cleo agreed to pay $17 million to settle the allegations. That's a $17 million settlement, of which $15.8 million is now being distributed. More than 2.1 million Cleo AI customers - specifically 2,124,796 - are expected to receive payments. Eligible users, "who paid for eligible instant cash advances," should receive an email from no-reply@consumersentinel.gov by Oct. 26, if they haven't already.

PayPal payments are expected to follow starting on Oct. 27, the FTC said. If you get one, redeem it within 30 days - because the only thing worse than waiting for a cash advance is missing the window to claim your $7.50. The FTC didn't specify exact amounts, but if the 2,124,796 payments were split equally from the $15.8 million pot, each person could expect just under $7.50. That's not quite "hundreds of dollars," but it's something.

While agreeing to the settlement, Cleo did not admit any wrongdoing. So, if you're one of the millions getting a check, consider it a belated apology - or just a refund for the privilege of being misled.