NordVPN, one of the world's largest virtual private network providers, is confronting a class action lawsuit in Massachusetts federal court that accuses the company of implementing deceptive subscription practices that quietly overcharge customers. This legal action represents the latest in a series of lawsuits targeting NordVPN's subscription methods, with similar cases already pending in California, Colorado, New York, Illinois, and North Carolina.
The lawsuit alleges that NordVPN employs several problematic billing practices that disadvantage consumers. According to the complaint, the company fails to adequately disclose that subscription renewal prices will increase once initial subscription periods conclude. Many customers reportedly discover these higher charges only when reviewing their credit card statements after the fact. The legal filing further contends that NordVPN charges the elevated renewal price approximately two weeks before the actual renewal date, effectively trapping users into new annual plans before they can cancel.
Perhaps most concerning is the allegation regarding NordVPN's refund policy. The company prominently advertises a "30-day money-back guarantee" but allegedly backdates this guarantee to the date of the early charge, significantly reducing the actual refund window available to consumers. This practice essentially renders the guarantee period far shorter than the advertised 30 days, according to the legal complaint.
Burkett McInturff of Wittels McInturff Palikovic, one of the law firms representing plaintiffs, emphasized the contradiction between NordVPN's privacy-focused branding and its alleged business practices. "This case is about fairness and transparency from a company that claims to safeguard both," McInturff stated. "NordVPN markets itself as a trusted privacy company, yet it takes advantage of trusting customers—quietly hiking prices, charging early, and misrepresenting its refund policy."
Scott Harris of Bryson Harris Suciu & DeMay, PLLC, the co-counsel in the case, added that consumers who sign up for NordVPN expecting privacy and flexibility instead find themselves locked into subscriptions through hidden charges and fine print that undermine the company's own promises.
The lawsuit seeks multiple forms of relief, including monetary damages, restitution for affected customers, and a court order prohibiting NordVPN from continuing the allegedly unlawful billing practices. The legal action asserts violations of Chapter 93A, Massachusetts' consumer protection statute, as well as common law principles.
The case, formally known as Rene Tio v. NordVPN S.A. and Tefincom S.A. d/b/a NordVPN, is pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts under case number 1:25-cv-13374. The plaintiffs' legal team has requested a jury trial to resolve the matter.
This litigation highlights broader concerns within the subscription-based technology industry regarding transparency in auto-renewal practices and pricing disclosures. As consumers increasingly rely on digital services for privacy and security, the case raises important questions about whether companies that position themselves as privacy advocates are maintaining consistent ethical standards in their business operations. The outcome could potentially influence how subscription-based technology companies structure their renewal processes and disclosure requirements nationwide.
