Author Topic: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Scams  (Read 12229 times)

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Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Scams
« 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.
« Last Edit: February 20, 2016, 01:06:00 AM by robert510 »

Offline Pondus

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Re: Classic Bait and switch Tactics
« Reply #1 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




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Re: Classic Bait and switch Tactics
« Reply #2 on: February 13, 2016, 09:38:34 PM »
#168697 and #168681

Offline DavidR

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Re: Classic Bait and switch Tactics
« Reply #3 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
1. it brings it to the top of the chronological topic order.
2. it also keeps all of the information together.
Windows 10 Home 64bit/ Acer Aspire F15/ Intel Core i5 7200U 2.5GHz, 8GB DDR4 memory, 256GB SSD, 1TB HDD/ avast! free 24.2.6105 (build 24.2.8918.824) UI 1.0.799/ Firefox, uBlock Origin, uMatrix/ MailWasher Pro/ Avast! Mobile Security

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Re: Classic Bait and switch Tactics
« Reply #4 on: February 13, 2016, 10:02:05 PM »
I called the phone number listed on the Avast home page 1-866-951-7679

Offline DavidR

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Re: Classic Bait and switch Tactics
« Reply #5 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.
Windows 10 Home 64bit/ Acer Aspire F15/ Intel Core i5 7200U 2.5GHz, 8GB DDR4 memory, 256GB SSD, 1TB HDD/ avast! free 24.2.6105 (build 24.2.8918.824) UI 1.0.799/ Firefox, uBlock Origin, uMatrix/ MailWasher Pro/ Avast! Mobile Security

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Re: Classic Bait and switch Tactics
« Reply #6 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
« Last Edit: February 14, 2016, 02:58:33 AM by robert510 »

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Re: Classic Bait and switch Tactics
« Reply #7 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.

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Re: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Tactics
« Reply #8 on: February 14, 2016, 02:44:02 AM »
OK Please tell me the phone number for AVAST PRIMIER MEMBERS CUSTOMER SUPPORT?????


Offline Pondus

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Re: Classic Bait and switch Tactics
« Reply #10 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





Offline lucD

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Re: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Tactics
« Reply #11 on: February 14, 2016, 10:14:24 AM »
More likely they pay Avast to use the name and for access to its customer base.  :(

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Re: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Tactics
« Reply #12 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??????

Offline Pondus

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Re: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Tactics
« Reply #13 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/


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Re: Beware of Avast Classic Bait and switch Tactics
« Reply #14 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