Scam or True?

General
1

I received ab email from AvastSettlement@rcnotifications.com saying I am eligible for a payment to settle charges brought by the Federal Trade Commission.
All links send a warning about an unsafe webpage by both and Avast and/or browser I’m using.
Is this a scam or did Avast settle recently with the FTC?

2

First, I’m an Avast user and not an Avast Team member.
I wouldn’t touch it with a long stick.

  1. How would they know you have used Avast and know your email address, It smacks of scam.
  2. At best it is some ambulance chasing company - that would be looking for a percentage of any claim.

A google search shows many such instances for other companies also,

3

+1 just spam

1 Like
4

According to r/scams, the FTC has used this domain previously, but I still wouldn’t click on anything. However, the FTC is indeed processing refund claims. Search “FTC Avast Settlement” which will lead you to their dot gov website where you can file a claim. You will need the claim number and confirmation number from the email to file a claim.

Enjoy your $5 portion of settlement! lol

From the site:
"As part of a settlement order with the FTC, Avast was required to pay $16.5 million, which will be used to compensate consumers. The order also bans Avast from misrepresenting how it uses the data it collects and from selling or licensing any browsing data from Avast-branded products to third parties for advertising purposes, along with other requirements.

The FTC is emailing notices to 3,690,813 consumers who bought antivirus software from Avast between August 2014 and January 2020. Consumers who are eligible to apply will get an email notice between now and March 7, 2025."

5

I didn’t click on the links in AvastSettlement email. I googled and found a link to the ftc website. They ask for the claim number and confirmation code which can be found in the Avast email. They also ask how you want settlement either PayPal or Zelle.

6

I would also be suspicious of requests for my PayPal or Zelle (never heard of this one) info, etc. But that’s me always suspicious about stuff like this.

7

Exactly, would the court, FTC or any other agency send a refund/payment through PayPal or Zelle?? I didn’t think they would but apparently they do, according to the official FTC government website. Sounds totally sketch!