NordVPN, one of the world's largest virtual private network providers, is facing a class action lawsuit in Massachusetts federal court alleging deceptive subscription practices that quietly overcharge customers. This latest legal challenge adds to mounting litigation against the privacy company, with similar class action lawsuits already pending in California, Colorado, New York, Illinois, and North Carolina.
The lawsuit claims NordVPN employs several problematic billing practices that undermine consumer trust. According to court documents, the company quietly increases subscription renewal prices without proper notice, leaving many users unaware of the higher charges until they review their credit card statements. The complaint further alleges that NordVPN charges customers approximately two weeks before their subscriptions actually renew, effectively trapping users in new annual plans before they can cancel.
This case is about fairness and transparency from a company that claims to safeguard both, said Burkett McInturff of Wittels McInturff Palikovic. 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. The legal team has requested a jury trial to address these allegations.
Perhaps most concerning is the lawsuit's claim that NordVPN's advertised 30-day money-back guarantee is effectively rendered meaningless by the company's billing practices. Because NordVPN backdates the guarantee period to the date of the early charge—roughly two weeks before renewal—customers actually receive far less than 30 days to request refunds. This practice directly contradicts the company's public promises of customer flexibility and satisfaction.
Consumers sign up expecting privacy and flexibility, said Scott Harris of Bryson Harris Suciu & DeMay, PLLC. Instead, NordVPN locks them in with hidden charges and fine print that undercuts its own promises. The lawsuit seeks damages, restitution, and a court order to halt NordVPN's allegedly unlawful billing practices, asserting violations of Chapter 93A, the Massachusetts consumer-protection statute, and common law.
The case, Rene Tio v. NordVPN S.A. and Tefincom S.A. d/b/a NordVPN, pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts under case number 1:25-cv-13374, represents a significant challenge to subscription-based business models that rely on auto-renewal features. As more companies adopt subscription models across various industries, this litigation highlights the importance of clear communication and fair billing practices in maintaining consumer trust and complying with consumer protection laws.
