Antivirus software company ordered to pay customer $16.5M: How to file a claim

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(NEXSTAR) – Millions of American consumers who bought antivirus software from Avast may be eligible to receive a portion of a $16.5 million settlement, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Monday.

The FTC said Avast is making the payment after failing to protect its customers' privacy, instead collecting "a treasure trove of user information through its antivirus software and browser extensions without people’s consent."

The personal information included religious beliefs, health concerns, political leanings, locations and financial status, according to a 2024 consumer alert.

The FTC said Avast then sold the information through a subsidiary called Jumpshot without notifying customers.

How will the claims process work?

The FTC will notify the 3,690,813 customers who bought the software between August 2014 and January 2020.

Customers should receive the email between Monday ad March 7, 2025, according to the FTC.

Consumers who are eligible for a payment can use the claim number included in their email to apply for an online payment. The deadline to file is June 5, 2025.

The FTC says individual payment amounts are not yet known, and "will depend on several factors, including how many people file a claim."

Payments will go out by mail sometime in 2026. Once the payment date is decided it will be added to the FTC settlement website.

Anyone who needs help with the claim can contact the refund administrator at 1-866-290-0165.

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