NordVPN class action claims company conducts deceptive auto renewal scheme

NordVPN class action

• Who: A Colorado man is suing NordVPN and its parent company.
• Why: The plaintiff alleges the internet security firms employ deceptive “auto renewal” practices.
• Where: The NordVPN auto renewal class action lawsuit was filed in a Colorado federal court.

Internet security company NordVPN employs deceptive automatic renewal practices that trap consumers into costly, unwanted subscriptions, a new class action lawsuit alleges.

Plaintiff Tim Peterson filed the class action complaint against Nordvpn S.A. and Tefincom S.A. — doing business as Nord Security — on Nov. 19 in a Colorado federal court, alleging violations of state and federal consumer laws.

According to the lawsuit, NordVPN and its parent company violate consumer protection laws by failing to clearly disclose auto-renewal terms and by making cancellation overly difficult.

The lawsuit accuses NordVPN of misleading customers into believing they are signing up for a fixed-term subscription. In reality, the company automatically renews these plans, often charging customers without clear consent, Peterson alleges.

NordVPN used a range of deceptive tactics that breached consumer laws, plaintiff alleges

The court filings outline a range of allegedly deceptive tactics, including hiding renewal terms in fine print, burying cancellation options in account settings, and charging users 14 days before their subscription period ends — effectively locking them into another term.

The lawsuit also points to NordVPN’s alleged failure to comply with Colorado’s law requiring companies to notify customers 25 to 40 days before a subscription renews. According to Peterson, NordVPN’s “notice” emails fail to provide adequate information about the renewal process or how to cancel subscriptions easily.

The NordVPN auto renewal lawsuit cites numerous consumer grievances on platforms like Trustpilot and Reddit, alleging widespread dissatisfaction with NordVPN’s subscription practices. Many users, the complaint says, were blindsided by unexpected charges or unable to navigate the company’s labyrinthine cancellation process.

“Nord Security traps consumers into unintended purchases with a web of deceptive online design features that exploit well-known shortcomings in consumer decision-making,” the NordVPN auto renewal lawsuit alleges.

The class action lawsuit seeks to represent all Colorado consumers who have been affected by NordVPN’s allegedly deceptive practices. Peterson is suing for violation of Colorado consumer protection laws and unjust enrichment, and is seeking certification of the class action, damages, fees, refunds, costs and a jury trial. 

Earlier this year, a $3.74 million Peacock settlement resolved claims the streaming service violated California auto renewal laws.

What do you think of the allegations in this NordVPN class action? Let us know in the comments.

The plaintiff is represented by J. Burkett McInturff, Ethan D. Roman and Daniel J. Brenner of Wittels Mcinturff Palikovic and Scott C. Harris and J. Hunter Bryson of Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman Pllc.

The NordVPN class action is Tim Peterson v. Nordvpn S.A. et al., Case No. 1:24-cv-03218  in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado.

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