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Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: REDACTED on February 13, 2016, 09:33:34 PM

Title: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Scams
Post by: REDACTED on February 13, 2016, 09:33:34 PM
Today I received an offer to upgrade to avast primier under which it stated the clean up and password tool below the offer. I thought it was reasonable so I went ahead with the offer then realized little to nothing has changed on my account.

I posted the following message and submitted 2 tickets on 1/31/2016.

Avast had excellent reviews so I entrusted Avast in providing services above and beyond other software providers. After purchasing a 1 year license for (antivirus Pro) endless as well as extremely annoying, and misleading bait and switch tactic's appear on the control panel. 2 examples of which are 1) after completing a performance scan on the Avast control panel, I was told I have some issues. when I clicked (resolve issues) I was told I need to purchase More software ???????? 2) I clicked VPN secure on the control panel and was asked to purchase more software again ???? This is a complete and total misleading scam that often appears in software providers of much lower stature. On top of all this bait and switch nonsense, the Avast portal has a beautiful and enticing rewards panel. It appears the Avast rewards program is ever so eager for me to refer and sign up new accounts for more rewards points. The problem is Avast doesn't show me what the rewards points are good for except that fact that Avast is making more money.

I have not received a reply on either ticket submitted 15 days ago. Today I contacted Avast via phone and informed Avast I was recording the phone call just as Avast informed me they were recording the phone call. The conversation lasted about 15 minutes and I was told a supervisor would contact me within 24 hrs.
Title: Re: Classic Bait and switch Tactics
Post by: Pondus on February 13, 2016, 09:36:55 PM
>> https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=182478.0


Quote
I posted the following message and submitted 2 tickets on 1/31/2016.
Post your ticket ID numbers here, then we may be able to get some responce



Title: Re: Classic Bait and switch Tactics
Post by: REDACTED on February 13, 2016, 09:38:34 PM
#168697 and #168681
Title: Re: Classic Bait and switch Tactics
Post by: DavidR on February 13, 2016, 09:44:51 PM
Submitting multiple tickets can actually delay the process as it is first in first out. However, since you submitted them on the same day it shouldn't have that much of an adverse effect.

Not sure who you contacted, but for information, if it was the free support number that is handled by a 3rd party support company, not directly to avast.

All that said, you should have put this post in your original topic - https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=182374.0 (https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=182374.0)
1. it brings it to the top of the chronological topic order.
2. it also keeps all of the information together.
Title: Re: Classic Bait and switch Tactics
Post by: REDACTED on February 13, 2016, 10:02:05 PM
I called the phone number listed on the Avast home page 1-866-951-7679
Title: Re: Classic Bait and switch Tactics
Post by: DavidR on February 13, 2016, 10:59:37 PM
Yes that will have been 3rd party support and they wouldn't be able to help in this situation as they haven't got access to to payment/order and customer information.

Personally I wouldn't use them given their limited remit on help with the program. The forums are going to have a higher knowledge.

I have reported this to try and get some attention.
Title: Re: Classic Bait and switch Tactics
Post by: REDACTED on February 14, 2016, 02:05:34 AM
If its a 3rd party, then
1) why is it on the home page of Avast.com at https://www.avast.com/en-us/total-support ????????
2) Why is it listed as the Avast Software, Inc. Phone: (866) 951-7679 on the AVAST BBB PAGE http://www.bbb.org/greater-san-francisco/business-reviews/computers-hardware-software-and-services/avast-software-in-redwood-city-ca-385978
Title: Re: Classic Bait and switch Tactics
Post by: REDACTED on February 14, 2016, 02:11:07 AM
AVAST Just cant seem to get there story straight, including a very enticing and colorful rewards program when you sign into your account. The fact that the rewards program is an incentive to get more people to sign up for Avast and (AVAST HAS NO REWARDS TO OFFER). Its a money making scheme BEWARE.
Title: Re: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Tactics
Post by: REDACTED on February 14, 2016, 02:44:02 AM
OK Please tell me the phone number for AVAST PRIMIER MEMBERS CUSTOMER SUPPORT?????
Title: Re: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Tactics
Post by: REDACTED on February 14, 2016, 02:52:55 AM
BEWARE OF AVAST here are just a few complaints I found

1) http://www.bbb.org/greater-san-francisco/business-reviews/computers-hardware-software-and-services/avast-software-in-redwood-city-ca-385978/complaints 

2) http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/directory/avast

3) http://www.complaintsboard.com/avast-b109366

4) https://reviews.gethuman.com/complaints/Avast

5) http://www.complaintslist.com/computer-software/avast/

6) http://complaintwire.org/complaint/waeOe5b63Ac/dri-avast-software

7) http://avast-antivirus.pissedconsumer.com/

8 http://www.scambook.com/company/view/90852/Avast-Software

9) http://www.scambook.com/company/reports/98960/Nexway-and-Avast

10) http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/avast-florida-c312987.html

11) http://www.reviewstalk.com/complaints-reviews/avast-grime-fighter-l44608.html

12) http://www.complaintslist.com/2015/avast-grime-total-care-is-a-runaround-scam/
Title: Re: Classic Bait and switch Tactics
Post by: Pondus on February 14, 2016, 09:48:30 AM
If its a 3rd party, then
1) why is it on the home page of Avast.com at https://www.avast.com/en-us/total-support ????????
2) Why is it listed as the Avast Software, Inc. Phone: (866) 951-7679 on the AVAST BBB PAGE http://www.bbb.org/greater-san-francisco/business-reviews/computers-hardware-software-and-services/avast-software-in-redwood-city-ca-385978
Because avast pay them to do the support ... outsourcing i think it is called




Title: Re: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Tactics
Post by: lucD on February 14, 2016, 10:14:24 AM
More likely they pay Avast to use the name and for access to its customer base.  :(
Title: Re: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Tactics
Post by: REDACTED on February 14, 2016, 10:16:34 AM
First of all a 3rd party is a company or business not related to Avast that resells Avast software. When purchasing software directly from Avast.com, the customer support number listed on the Avast homepage is the first party phone number. Can AVAST TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT ANYTHING??????
Title: Re: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Tactics
Post by: Pondus on February 14, 2016, 10:20:35 AM
More likely they pay Avast to use the name and for access to its customer base.  :(
Could be, i dont know the business model

here is the previous one used  >>  https://blog.avast.com/2012/03/15/iyogi-support-service-removed/

Title: Re: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Tactics
Post by: REDACTED on February 14, 2016, 08:21:30 PM
Hello, the article refers to support for Avast FREE, what about Customers that purchased Avast Premium? The article states  (In the meantime, users can receive support via the other support options provided on our website) which is the phone number I called on Avast.com 1-866-951-7679
Title: Re: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Tactics
Post by: Eddy on February 14, 2016, 11:07:08 PM
No, it says free support.

The article is about 4 years old.
A lot have changed since then.
Title: Re: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Tactics
Post by: bob3160 on February 14, 2016, 11:34:29 PM
If you truly have a problem, simply state it and an attempt will certainly be made to address your problem.
Ranting and raving certainly gives no one an opportunity to address your concerns or any problems you may have.
Title: Re: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Tactics
Post by: REDACTED on February 18, 2016, 09:46:13 AM
Avast Customer Care has (NOT RESPONDED IN 19 DAYS) to Ticket #168697 and Ticket #168681 submitted on 1/31/2016. Definitely the WORST customer support I have ever dealt with. Thanks for NOTHING AVAST
Title: Re: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Tactics
Post by: Asyn on February 18, 2016, 09:47:52 AM
Avast Customer Care has (NOT RESPONDED IN 19 DAYS) to Ticket #168697 and Ticket #168681 submitted on 1/31/2016. Definitely the WORST customer support I have ever dealt with. Thanks for NOTHING AVAST
Reported to Moroni, wait for his reply.
Title: Re: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Tactics
Post by: REDACTED on February 18, 2016, 09:58:39 AM
I think 19 days in long enough, I have no choice but to file with the BBB

Avast Software, Inc.

255 Shoreline Drive, Suite 515, Redwood City, CA 94065

(866) 951-7679 or (650) 378-1390

Once Again. Thank You Avast for the WORST CUSTOMER SOPPORT I have ever dealt with
Title: Re: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Tactics
Post by: moroni on February 18, 2016, 09:59:29 AM
Hi,

It's still not clear to me what the question is  :-\

There is no bait and switch, a full Avast installation includes all the components. You have the option to either do a full or custom install. If you desire, you can uninstall the components you didn't want and didn't buy a license for, such as Cleanup and Secureline.
Title: Re: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Tactics
Post by: REDACTED on February 18, 2016, 10:04:54 AM
I'm not clear as to why I have not received a response to 2 tickets submitted 19 days ago?
Title: Re: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Tactics
Post by: moroni on February 18, 2016, 10:08:25 AM
Well, there is no question to answer on your ticket either...  :-\
The only question on your ticket is

Quote
Why does Avast let the client use the feature on the control panel, only to ask for more money to activate the feature. It should not be active on the Avast control panel if its not part of the software package ordered. if I didn't choose the components when signing up, why do they appear as active programs on my control panel?

and I replied to that above.

Is there something else we can do for you? What other questions you have? What resolution you expect from your ticket?
Title: Re: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Tactics
Post by: Eddy on February 18, 2016, 04:29:05 PM
The options are there because you installed the "demo" versions of them so you can see what avast can provide the users with besides the malware scanning.
If you see them or not depends on what type of installation you did and/or what components you have chosen to install.
It is up to the user if he wants to purchase a license for them or not.
If the are installed it is up to the user if he keeps them installed or not.

Many free software also have a paid version with more option.
Often the paid options are shown, but are e.g.
- grayed out in the menus.
- can only be used a limited amount of times.

Title: Re: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Tactics
Post by: REDACTED on February 20, 2016, 01:05:13 AM
Are you kidding me?? maybe you should READ MT POST FROM BEGINNING TO END.

I received an offer to upgrade to avast premier under which it stated the clean up and password tool below the offer. I thought it was reasonable so I went ahead and (PURCHASED) AVAST PRIMIER then realized little to nothing has changed on my account.

I have not received a response to 2 tickets submitted 19 days ago?

I called the phone number listed on the Avast home page 1-866-951-7679

(Reply from AVAST on: February 13, 2016, 10:59:37 PM ») Yes that will have been 3rd party support and they wouldn't be able to help in this situation as they haven't got access to to payment/order and customer information.

If its a 3rd party, then
1) why is it on the home page of Avast.com at https://www.avast.com/en-us/total-support ?
2) Why is it listed as the Avast Software, Inc. Phone: (866) 951-7679 on the AVAST BBB PAGE http://www.bbb.org/greater-san-francisco/business-reviews/computers-hardware-software-and-services/avast-software-in-redwood-city-ca-385978

SCAM
Title: Re: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Tactics
Post by: bob3160 on February 20, 2016, 01:12:01 AM
Are you kidding me?? maybe you should READ MT POST FROM BEGINNING TO END.

I received an offer to upgrade to avast premier under which it stated the clean up and password tool below the offer. I thought it was reasonable so I went ahead and (PURCHASED) AVAST PRIMIER then realized little to nothing has changed on my account.

I have not received a response to 2 tickets submitted 19 days ago?

I called the phone number listed on the Avast home page 1-866-951-7679

(Reply from AVAST on: February 13, 2016, 10:59:37 PM ») Yes that will have been 3rd party support and they wouldn't be able to help in this situation as they haven't got access to to payment/order and customer information.

If its a 3rd party, then
1) why is it on the home page of Avast.com at https://www.avast.com/en-us/total-support (https://www.avast.com/en-us/total-support) ?
2) Why is it listed as the Avast Software, Inc. Phone: (866) 951-7679 on the AVAST BBB PAGE http://www.bbb.org/greater-san-francisco/business-reviews/computers-hardware-software-and-services/avast-software-in-redwood-city-ca-385978 (http://www.bbb.org/greater-san-francisco/business-reviews/computers-hardware-software-and-services/avast-software-in-redwood-city-ca-385978)

SCAM
The BBB site you're quoting is most likely compiled by the BBB. I highly doubt that the information was supplied by Avast.
I think Moroni still needs a reply to his last response in order to further help you. I think help is why you came to this forum.
Is it not ???
Title: Re: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Scams
Post by: DavidR on February 20, 2016, 01:25:40 AM
<snip>
(Reply from AVAST on: February 13, 2016, 10:59:37 PM ») Yes that will have been 3rd party support and they wouldn't be able to help in this situation as they haven't got access to to payment/order and customer information.
<snip>

You didn't get a reply from avast, you got a reply from me - an avast user like you - just telling it as it is. Trying to make it clear why they couldn't help with payment/order issues.
Title: Re: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Scams
Post by: REDACTED on February 20, 2016, 02:04:24 AM
Avast can just continue to give me the run around, by asking me over and over what was my question was and just trying to confuse the issue even more. I've received nothing but LIES and DECEPTIOIN FROM AVAST. I Never downloaded the DEMO I Purchased AVAST.

If you READ THE THREAD FROM THE BEGINNING I ASK NUMEROUS QUESTIONS.

SO PLEASE DONT PLAY THE DUMB CARD, JUST A BUNCH OF LIES
Title: Re: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Scams
Post by: Eddy on February 20, 2016, 04:02:11 AM
Quote
Are you kidding me?? maybe you should READ MT POST FROM BEGINNING TO END.
No, I am not kidding you and I did read your entire post.
Quote
I received an offer to upgrade to avast premier under which it stated the clean up and password tool below the offer. I thought it was reasonable so I went ahead and (PURCHASED) AVAST PRIMIER then realized little to nothing has changed on my account.
You got what you have paid for. I don't see anything wrong with that.
It is very clearly mentioned what you get when getting a subscription for avast premier. Here is just one of the many pages that tells you : https://www.avast.com/compare-antivirus
It is also very clear that CleanUp and the paid version of avast passwords are separate products: https://www.avast.com/store
Quote
If its a 3rd party, then 1) why is it on the home page of Avast.com at https://www.avast.com/en-us/total-support ?
Why wouldn't it be mentioned? avast has a agreement with them that they give (very limited) support for avast products.
Quote
Reach out to experts that can help you get your PC back in shape.
avast doesn't say the are their experts/employees.
Quote
2) Why is it listed as the Avast Software, Inc. Phone: (866) 951-7679 on the AVAST BBB PAGE
Don't ask us/here, ask the BBB why it is. They are responsible for the listing. Not avast, not the members of this webboard.
Besides that, 866 is a non existing country code which already shows that the information on the BBB website is not (entirely) correct.
Quote
SCAM
avast never scammed anyone nor do they now.
Quote
Avast can just continue to give me the run around, by asking me over and over what was my question was and just trying to confuse the issue even more.
The only one who is giving you the "run around" is you. Several times you have been asked what your question/problem is and you haven't answered :(
I and others (including avast) are willing to answer your questions but we can't if you don't ask them.
I and others (including avast) are willing to (at least) try to solve the problem(s) you have with avast products, but we can't even start with it if you do not even tell them.

Taking a car back to the seller and saying "there is something wrong with it" isn't the way to get help/support.
What is wrong with it?
The color?
The tires?
The fuel?
The driver?
or.... ?

We can only help (and we are sure willing to give it to you) if you ask specific questions and provide details.
Title: Re: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Scams
Post by: moroni on February 20, 2016, 09:49:41 AM
robert510, Avast Premier does include Passwords but not Cleanup. I am sorry if the offer was not clear enough.
Avast SecureLine and Cleanup as components are included by default within the full installation. If you desire, you can get rid of the modules you don't want either by doing a custom installation or removing them afterwards.

The phone number at https://www.avast.com/en-us/total-support is our technical support team. Whether it is outsourced or not should not matter, but note that it is aimed to offer technical support only, not billing support.

I'll lock this thread as it is going no where. If you have opened a case with the BBB, please wait to its resolution following the standard procedure for that.