Class Action Investigation: ACTIVE Network “Active Advantage” Subscription Charges
A major online event registration company is under fire for allegedly using digital dark patterns to trick consumers into paid subscriptions they never knowingly agreed to. Our firm is investigating potential class action claims against ACTIVE Network, LLC, the company behind the “Active Advantage” discount club.
Background
In October 2022, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed a federal lawsuit against ACTIVE Network in the Eastern District of Texas, alleging widespread deceptive and unlawful billing practices affecting millions of consumers nationwide.
What Happened
If you signed up for a charity race, youth sports program, camp, or community event and later noticed unexpected charges from Active Advantage, you may have legal rights.
Who Is ACTIVE Network?
ACTIVE Network, LLC is an online payment processor headquartered in Plano, Texas. Its platform is commonly used by organizers of:
- Charity races and fundraising events
- Youth sports leagues and camps (including YMCA programs)
- Community athletic and recreational activities
ACTIVE processes registration and payment information for these events and takes a portion of the registration fees. In 2017, ACTIVE was acquired by Global Payments Inc. for a reported $1.2 billion. Separately, ACTIVE operates Active Advantage, a paid discount club that offers deals on products and services often unrelated to the events consumers intended to register for.
What Is the Lawsuit About?
According to the CFPB’s complaint, ACTIVE allegedly enrolled consumers into Active Advantage memberships without their knowledge or meaningful consent, then charged them recurring fees.
The Alleged Scheme
The CFPB alleges that ACTIVE inserted an additional webpage into the event checkout process that offered a “free trial” of Active Advantage. Key allegations include:
- Consumers clicked a large, highlighted button—often labeled “Accept”—believing they were completing their event registration.
- In reality, they were unknowingly enrolling in a 30-day negative option trial for Active Advantage.
- Unless consumers canceled within 30 days, the trial automatically converted into a paid annual subscription, costing up to $89.95 per year.
- Many consumers report they only discovered the membership after seeing unexplained charges on their credit or debit cards.
What Are “Dark Patterns”?
The CFPB alleges that ACTIVE relied on dark patterns—deceptive website design tactics intended to manipulate user behavior. Dark patterns can include:
- Buttons or language that mislead users about what they are agreeing to
- Burying key terms, pricing, or cancellation information
- Making it difficult to cancel subscriptions or avoid recurring charges
Federal regulators, including the Federal Trade Commission, have warned companies that subscription sign-ups must be clear, informed, and easy to cancel.
Our Class Action Investigation
Consumers may have private rights of action against Active Network, including potential class action claims for unauthorized charges, deceptive practices, and unlawful subscription billing. We are currently investigating claims on behalf of consumers who:
- Registered for an event online using ACTIVE’s platform
- Were unknowingly enrolled in Active Advantage
- Were charged an annual membership fee they did not clearly agree to
- Had difficulty canceling or obtaining refunds
What To Do
If you believe you were affected:
- Review your bank and credit card statements for Active Advantage or ACTIVE Network charges
- Save confirmation emails, screenshots, or event registration records
- Contact us to determine whether you may qualify to participate in a class action lawsuit investigation
Consultations are free and confidential, and there is no obligation to proceed.
FAQs
What is the ACTIVE Network “Active Advantage” Subscription Charges investigation?
This investigation concerns allegations that ACTIVE Network enrolled consumers in their “Active Advantage” subscription without proper consent, leading to unauthorized charges.
How can I find out if I was affected by the ACTIVE Network investigation?
If you registered for an event through ACTIVE Network and noticed unexpected charges, you may have been affected. Review your statements and contact us for assistance.
What should I do if I think I was charged for Active Advantage without consent?
If you believe you were charged for Active Advantage without consent, reach out to us to learn more about your rights and potential compensation.
