MILLIONS of Americans are eligible to claim a chunk of a $16.5 million privacy settlement.
It comes after the Federal Trade Commission accused Avast Software of breaching privacy laws.
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In a class action lawsuit, the company was accused of sharing the browsing data of customers who bought its antivirus software with third parties without getting user consent.
According to the complaint, Avast and its subsidiary, Jumpshot, promised customers its software would protect them from having their data tracked online and having their data compromised.
However, they allegedly collected this data and shared it with third parties for a profit.
In agreeing to pay the multi-million dollar settlement, Avast has not admitted any wrongdoing.
Those who are eligible for a chunk of the compensation must have bought antivirus software from Avast between August 2014 and January 2020.
The FTC has said it has sent claim forms to almost 3.7 million eligible class members.
All notices were issued between February 24, 2025 and March 7, 2025.
Those who believe they should have received one are urged to check their junk mail or call the settlement administrator.
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, compensation will be given through refunds.
Consumers must claim their refund by submitting a valid claim form by June 5, 2025.
No estimates have been given for the amount of money due to be returned to customers.
The amount will be determined by how many claims are filed.
Eligible claimants can apply for their refund here with no other documentation needed.
Payments are scheduled to be made to class members in 2026.
What’s a class-action settlement?
Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or ‘classes,’ a way to band together in court.
These suits are often brought by one or a few people who allege a company or other entity has wronged a large group of people.
When a suit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar complaints to those who filed the suit.
Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue further legal action by accepting money.
These payout agreements frequently include statements by the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.
Pollution, discrimination, or false advertising are a few examples of what can land a class action on a company’s doorstep.
Meanwhile, some Wells Fargo customers can get up to $5,000 from a multi-million dollar settlement.
The bank has agreed to pay out $19.5 million after a class action lawsuit accused it and three other companies of violating privacy laws.
The companies allegedly recorded phone calls with Wells Fargo customers without their consent – something the bank has denied.
But eligible class members have just weeks left to file a claim.
There is also a settlement from a cleaning company where Americans can get up to $10,000 if eligible.
Stanley Steemer is accused of failing to adequately protect the sensitive information of customers and employees when targeted by cyber criminals in 2023.
It suffered a severe data breach on or about February 10, 2023, which the lawsuit claims the company could have prevented with better cyber security measures.
In agreeing to a $700,000 settlement, the Stanley Steemer has admitted no wrongdoing.
The deadline to file a claim for that payout is April 28, 2025.
