The promise of a “lifetime” subscription can be alluring, especially for services like VPNs. However, recent events with VPN provider VPNSecure have exposed the inherent risks associated with these deals. Customers who signed up for lifetime subscriptions discovered that the term “lifetime” wasn’t as enduring as they’d believed.
New owners of VPNSecure recently canceled these lifetime subscriptions, claiming ignorance of the deals at the time of acquisition. In an email to affected customers, reported by Ars Technica, the company stated that the decision, while difficult, was made to ensure the future of VPNSecure and its user base. The company attributed the cancellation to the strain on resources caused by the lifetime accounts and the associated high support volume, which they claim provided no sustainable income.
VPNSecure is offering impacted users discounted subscriptions: $1.87 monthly, $19 annually, or $55 for three years, compared to their standard rates of $10, $80, and $108, respectively.
A company representative explained that the new management couldn’t access the customer database until months after the acquisition. They claim they received the technology, brand, and infrastructure but no company data, contracts, payments, or obligations from the previous owners. In a subsequent message to customers on May 11th, as seen on Reddit, the company reiterated their due diligence, including reviewing financials, but asserted that no mention of lifetime deals was found. They stated they honored these accounts for two years at their own expense, despite receiving no revenue from them.
This situation serves as a cautionary tale for consumers considering lifetime subscriptions. It’s crucial to thoroughly examine the fine print, as “lifetime” often refers to a fixed period, the company’s lifespan, or the duration of the service offered. Theoretically, a “lifetime” subscription could be canceled shortly after purchase. While the term doesn’t equate to your actual lifespan, should you pass away before the company, the agreement technically fulfills its obligation.
Looking for a reliable VPN? Check out MaagX’s recent speed and value assessments of two top VPN providers.
