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Symantec, McAfee settle over subscription auto-renewal problems

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On June 10, 2009, 5:40 PM EST

Symantec and McAfee will be coughing up a chunk of change, following a settlement that arose out of complaints regarding how each of them handled their customer's subscriptions. As anyone who uses paid security products is aware of, each year you must pay a renewal fee to keep your software functioning. According to the involved plaintiffs, however, both Symantec and McAfee were deceptive when it came time to pay, renewing people's subscriptions without their consent.

This most likely would become a big issue if someone decided to switch products, only to find themselves being billed by another company later. Due to problems like this and the complaints that followed, the companies will each pay $375,000 to settle the case. The Attorney General's office in New York came to the conclusion that the "automatic renewals" clauses were buried under lengthy terms of service, and ordered Symantec and McAfee to be clear and up-front with their customers when it comes to these fees. Furthermore, users will get the option of a refund for up to 60 days after being charged.

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User Comments (28)

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nedster1
on February 27, 2011
9:14 PM

My McAfee profile shows an expired credit card, I purposely didn't advise them of the new details thinking they wouldn't be able to act on the renewal but they were still able to bill my credit card and my bank let them. Seem like some Aust banks allow Government departments, insurance companies and companies like McAfee to do this.

Have been told McAfee will issue a credit, will follow it up but very annoyed that my bank let them bill to an expired card.

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Guest
on July 14, 2011
4:14 PM

This is STILL HAPPENING TODAY.

7-14-11 San Jose, CA

On July 2, I was charged $44.99 by Symantec for a Norton product that was out of date and not downloaded for years. Why?

Because my e-mail address had changed. GEE, THAT NEVER HAPPENS!!

Symantec needs to be sued again. They are still practicing deceptive renewal tactics to collect windfall profits. They are collecting money without confirming that any goods were delivered.

Does that sound like good and fair business practice? By the way, credit card companys will turn over NEW numbers on established accounts if vendors simply ask for updated information. In other words, you can let your credit card on file with the software vendor expire and the vendor will STILL be able to charge you. ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS CALL YOUR CREDIT PROVIDER. Thank you McAfee and American Express.

Word to the wise: Review your credit card statements like a hawk, especially if you are doing business with internet security software companies.

AND eschew and/or cancel ALL Auto Renewal agreements.

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Guest
on December 21, 2011
6:56 AM

This is still happening. I signed on in January, 2011 for the basic service at $37.09. I have since bought a new computer and don't use their service. I had the auto-renewal turned off. I received an email this past week that I was automatically renewed and my credit card was charged. They charged me $84.79 for the next year!!!??? Luckily, went the online chat and got the charge removed on the same day. But what the heck? No only renewing when I checked the box for "Auto-renewal Off", but charging me more than double. The "chat" lady sure did her best questioning what program I was going to use etc. It wasn't easy to convince her to remove the charge.

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