I’m posting this because Avast needs to hear from customers who are genuinely affected by the way this product is being marketed and delivered.
I am currently unemployed with no income, so every penny I spend has to be justified with extreme caution and proper due diligence. When I pay for security software, I expect clarity, honesty, and a straightforward understanding of what I’m getting. Instead, Avast sold me an initial package and then immediately began hammering me with constant warnings, pop‑ups, and fear‑driven messages telling me my security was inadequate unless I paid more.
This is not acceptable.
The upselling is relentless. The messaging is aggressive. The product tiers are unclear. And the pressure to upgrade after already paying feels like a bait‑and‑switch in all but name. It’s unprofessional, it’s exhausting, and it leaves customers — especially those in vulnerable financial situations — feeling misled and taken advantage of.
Security software should protect people, not frighten them into spending more money.
I should not have to navigate a maze of alerts, warnings, and upgrade prompts just to understand whether I’m actually protected. I should not be made to feel unsafe because I haven’t purchased an additional add‑on. And I should not be subjected to fear‑based marketing after already paying for a product.
Because of this, I am uninstalling Avast and moving to a cleaner, clearer, more transparent alternative. A company that relies on constant pressure and fear tactics to extract more money from paying customers is not one I can trust.
Avast needs to rethink this approach. It’s driving loyal customers away.
First, I’m an Avast user and not an Avast Team member.
I also use Avast Antivirus Free (and have been for some considerable time), it suits my needs. I don’t know your requirements but if as you say caution on what you purchase is a consideration, it may suit your needs.
As for the up-sell notifications (the Smart Scan at the end is a possible reason).
With a resident (on-access) scanner the need for on-demand scans is much depreciated. For the most part dormant/inert files are being scanned, the other active files are going to be scanned by the resident shields when they are activated.
Try changing your settings:
Managing pop-up notifications in Avast Antivirus Premium
If you use Avast Premium Security, you can additionally stop seeing offers for other Avast products and Personalised Discounts. ** Avast UI > Menu > Settings > General > Notifications.
Also check the AvastUI > Menu > Settings > General - Notifications, I would suggest using the Pop-up Notifications treatment - Limited Mode.
The original poster is 100% correct. I want to know, despite upgrading and updating to cover specific issues highlighted by Avast, installing the recommended upgrade has FAILED to correct those very issues. Every time I log in there’s a new panic button for me to press, a new upgrade I MUST purchase. This is deception… this is such garbage
Not knowing what these issues were and what was updated it is impossible to suggest a possible resolution.
I would suggest that you first investigate the changes suggested, specifically relating to “Scroll down to Stop offers for other products.”
Also the AvastUI > Menu > Settings > General - Notifications, I would suggest using the Pop-up Notifications treatment - Limited Mode.