[EDIT: Jim, just in case you haven't gotten a response yet ... I received a helpful email explaining Avast is aware that this random theft response sometimes occurs due to a potential bug in an experimental security feature. The problem occurs because the experimental feature sometimes incorrectly interacts with Avast's PIN Protection feature. What happens is that sometimes text messages with numbers in them are registered as "failed PIN attempts." If you have "PIN Protection" enabled, the anti-theft protocol is triggered after a certain number of "failed PIN attempts." So when the numbers in texts are registered as failed PIN attempts...wah-lah, false alarm. During a lost or stolen event, Avast Mobile Security locks the phone and exports your contact info, call log, and texts so you still have access to this important information without your phone.
They are working to resolve the issue. You can disable PIN protection to avoid false alarms (I personally am not going to do that as it makes my personal information more vulnerable). I think it's a pretty limited event, so leaving PIN protection on and just using the Avast My Portal to unlock the phone if the false event occurs is obviously the most secure way to handle it. It's inconvenient, but I personally would rather have false alarms than a missed alarm when it was really needed! And, you can still force the phobe to power off or remove the battery if it happens at work or in public.
As to the email directing Mobile Security Pro customers to the forum because they "don't have a current license," this is an automated email generated because the My Avast Portal account system is currently unable to interface with Google Playstore to check subscriptions. However, Google Playstore subscribers ARE receiving the Pro version of Mobile Security.
Thank you, Avast!!!!
]
This recently happened to me, too -phone sitting on my desk, untouched for at least 30 min prior to alarm. I even got the email about not having an active license and suggesting I go to the community forum for help ... except I actually DO have a current subscription for the mobile pro service via Google Play Store. I responded to the email with a confirmation of paid service (PayPal transaction ID, invoice #, and purchase through PlayStore) almost 3 days ago, but still haven't heard a peep. Not even just to confirm my subscription.
I really, really, really do NOT want to look for new/different mobile security. I have been a paid Avast mobile security customer for several years and 100% believe Avast is the #1 mobile phone security software. No security service can be 100% guaranteed breach-proof. I totally understand and accept this. But what good does it do to pay for the #1 service if you can't get help when you actually need it?
