Here’s what happened to a member of our own Wikifrauds team:

On June 24, 2025, needing some antivirus software for a PC, and following Google results for free antivirus software, an advertisement for Avast was responded to. This promotion offered Avast basic antivirus software for only A$2.99 a month,

Thinking this would be a monthly subscription payment of A$2.99, the free download was selected but the one of payment of A$35.88 was the only option. So that option, although misleading to start with, was selected and I paid for it by debit card and installed it on the PC.

The experience then became somewhat onerous and frustrating. The internet browsing slowed the PC so badly that after a few days I decided to uninstall the Avast software, which I proceeded to do. I even had a popup from Avast saying “Sorry to see you go” etc etc. I did not bother asking for a refund at that stage, and just put it down to a bad experience.

Then on July 7, a charge of A$99 on my debit card was taken by Total AV. At no stage did I download any Total AV software, nor did I provide them my debit card details WTF! Then three days later Avast tried to take another A$74.99 from my debit card account but thankfully my bank stopped it as being a suspicious transaction and suspended my debit card account. (This was a justified action by the bank but nevertheless inconvenient at the time, and I now need to have a new card issued and all that updating of details for regular transactions need to be done) What’s more, Avast themselves then re-installed their software onto my PC without my knowledge or consent!

Don't just take our word, check out this link on Reddit, and another one. Now check out Trust Pilot reviews, a litany of complaints against Total AV.

So, is Avast in bed with Total AV and did Avast pass on my  debit card details, or was I hacked by Total AV?    

Conclusion and Recommendation: Either way you look at it, stay away from these two very suspicious companies.