Total Security $2.5M Automatic Renewal Class Action Settlement

If you were enrolled in a subscription for Total Adblock, TotalAV, Total Password, PC Protect, ScanGuard, Total VPN, or Total WebShield between October 20, 2019, and June 30, 2024, you may be eligible to claim compensation from a class action settlement.

System1, Inc. has agreed to pay $2,500,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for allegedly enrolling consumers in automatic renewal subscriptions without presenting the terms clearly and conspicuously.

Who can submit a claim?

The settlement class includes all California residents who, between October 20, 2019, and June 30, 2024, were enrolled in and charged for an automatic renewal or continuous service subscription for "Protected Software" offered by any of the defendants, without receiving a full refund.

Protected Software includes:

• Total Adblock
• TotalAV
• Total Password
• PC Protect
• ScanGuard
• Total VPN
• Total WebShield

Class members must not be employees of the Defendants, employees of the Plaintiffs' counsel, or the judicial officers assigned to the case.

How much are the payouts?

Class members who submit a timely and valid claim will receive a pro-rata share of the Net Settlement Amount.

The Net Settlement Amount is the Settlement Amount minus court-approved deductions for attorneys' fees, litigation expenses, service payments, and settlement administration costs.

The exact amount each class member receives will depend on the number of valid claims submitted. For example, if the Net Settlement Amount is $1,500,000 and there are 10,000 valid claims, each claimant would receive $150.

How to submit a claim

Class members must submit a claim form by February 4, 2025.

Claims can be submitted online via the online claim form or by mailing a completed PDF claim form to the Settlement Administrator.

Nelson v. System1, Inc. Settlement Administrator

c/o CPT Group, Inc.

50 Corporate Park

Irvine, CA 92606

Claim instructions

1. Visit the settlement website.
2. Click on the "Submit Claim Form" link.
3. Fill out the required fields with your current personal information.
4. If applicable, provide any former personal information used during the subscription period.
5. Choose your preferred payment method.
6. Submit the form before the deadline.

Payout options

• Check
• Electronic payment (Venmo, direct deposit/ACH, PayPal)

$2.5 Million settlement fund

The settlement fund of $2,500,000 will cover attorneys' fees, litigation expenses, service payments, and settlement administration costs. The remaining amount will be distributed to class members who submit valid claims.

• Attorneys' fees: up to 38% of the Settlement Amount
• Litigation expenses: up to $40,000
• Service payments: up to $40,000 in total

Important dates

• Deadline to File a Claim: February 4, 2025
• Final Approval Hearing: March 7, 2025

When is the Total Security Settlement payout date?

The Court will hold a final approval hearing on March 7, 2025. If the settlement is approved, payments will be distributed to eligible class members who submitted valid claims.

Why is there a class action settlement?

The lawsuit alleges that System1, Inc. and its affiliates enrolled consumers in automatic renewal subscriptions without presenting the terms clearly, violating California's Automatic Renewal Law and Unfair Competition Law. The settlement resolves these claims without admission of wrongdoing.