Author Topic: Fraud?  (Read 5042 times)

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Offline only

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Fraud?
« on: January 16, 2021, 06:10:41 AM »
I received a screenshot offering 30% off if I subscribe to Premium Security by 30th January.  Normally all my dealings with Avast are by email so with a screen shot like this I cannot authenticate.
OK, I already use this service on automatic renewal so I queried  it and what looks like a computer reply did not confirm nor deny the offer validity.
Another point; the Avast site offers a telephone service using an 800- number; since all European numbers start with a zero (or more properly (++code) how can this be valid?
I run a scam/fraud warning thread so I am trying to get a sensible answer before I add this to the list of warning notices .

Offline Asyn

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Re: Fraud?
« Reply #1 on: January 16, 2021, 12:22:03 PM »
Post a screenshot.
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Offline sejintenej

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Re: Fraud?
« Reply #2 on: January 18, 2021, 09:01:01 AM »
Been trying but whenever I start to take one  the screen disappears though I have a tab. It has reappeared saying that my ;loyalty deserves a special reward so if I renew by 20th January I will save 30%.  It has a very strange logo which I cannot even describe. There is a link "Extend now" but no idea where it goes

I keep getting this sort of scam from companies I have never dealt with, hence my caution.

Offline Asyn

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Re: Fraud?
« Reply #3 on: January 18, 2021, 02:31:55 PM »
Well, without any screenshot it's impossible to comment on it.
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Offline r@vast

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Re: Fraud?
« Reply #4 on: January 18, 2021, 02:36:57 PM »
I received a screenshot offering 30% off if I subscribe to Premium Security by 30th January.  Normally all my dealings with Avast are by email so with a screen shot like this I cannot authenticate.
OK, I already use this service on automatic renewal so I queried  it and what looks like a computer reply did not confirm nor deny the offer validity.
Another point; the Avast site offers a telephone service using an 800- number; since all European numbers start with a zero (or more properly (++code) how can this be valid?
I run a scam/fraud warning thread so I am trying to get a sensible answer before I add this to the list of warning notices .

Hi,

Please kindly include a screenshot.
Please see this article on how to generate a screenshot. https://support.avast.com/en-ww/article/Create-screenshot

Offline sejintenej

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Re: Fraud?
« Reply #5 on: January 18, 2021, 07:37:06 PM »
Tried to take screenshot as per Avast instructions but prt sc  does absolutely nothing (or appears not to).   Then went to next stage in case it had worked but those didn't work either - in fact somehow they closed down my browser.

I am using Windows 10.0.19041 build 19041 and Firefox (fully updated but cannot find version number.

I would have thought Avast would know if they are sending out such messages in general or alternatively  from my record whether they have now sent two such messages to me. I would add that these messages are one third screen size overlaying anything I have up but also I am being plagued by other smaller adverts giving nonsense claims.  For example Avast  Cleanup premium tells me I have certain updates needed but the advert gives a figure 11 times greater.  I am told that my address is visible - yes, many people have told me where I am  but range from 40 miles (60+ km) to 150 miles (240 km) wrong. Never anything closer that the other side of London so we are talking terrorism

Also do something about your verification; it is almost impossible if you are older or eyesight is not 20/2/0

Offline DavidR

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Re: Fraud?
« Reply #6 on: January 18, 2021, 11:41:09 PM »
Pressing only captures the image, you have to past it into an image editor and save the file.  As in Step 4 onwards of the generate a screenshot instructions link that r@vast gave. https://support.avast.com/en-ww/article/Create-screenshot

Then it can be attached to the forums.

The verification has to be difficult to prevent spammers, but it is only for your first 3 posts.
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Re: Fraud?
« Reply #7 on: January 19, 2021, 03:46:34 AM »
If not screenshot is possible, can you post the 800 number? it may be possible to authenticate if that is owned by Avast. 800 numbers should be toll free USA numbers
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Offline sejintenej

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Re: Fraud?
« Reply #8 on: January 19, 2021, 01:57:15 PM »
as requested. Thanks for clarification - too complex for my ancient eyes

Offline Asyn

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Re: Fraud?
« Reply #9 on: January 19, 2021, 02:00:14 PM »
Looks like a legit offer.
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Offline sejintenej

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Re: Fraud?
« Reply #10 on: January 19, 2021, 02:15:45 PM »
I am trying to re-call the reply.
Certainly it was an 800 number; Avast is a Czech company so I would expect a (++420) code.
 If 800 **** is somewhere in the USA it would sensibly be prefaced (++1) in accordance with international conventions.

Offline sejintenej

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Re: Fraud?
« Reply #11 on: January 20, 2021, 02:56:14 PM »
OK; at long last I got through to Avast by phone.  My existing agreement is valid until late in April but the popup is genuine.  (I would add that my wife and I received no less than two proven fraudulent offers just today, one aledgedly (but not truly) fron Amazon hence my caution)

Regards and thanks to all

DB

Offline Asyn

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Re: Fraud?
« Reply #12 on: January 20, 2021, 03:05:37 PM »
You're welcome and thanks for the feedback.
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Offline PayneEdward

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Re: Fraud?
« Reply #13 on: January 25, 2021, 10:09:58 PM »
It's a good thing you reached out, there are a lot of sadder cases where people don't. I'm a business owner myself and the amount of times companies like mine are the target of fraud is insane. I've personally been able to overcome the majority of it because I've implemented KYC from the start of the company. That was only possible because I've already had friends on the market that went through tragic cases of fraud and even one whose company ended up going bankrupt. When I started out, I had it as my top priority to avoid this as much as possible. I would have been a fool to have the information that I needed and still do nothing until it was my turn to end tragically.
« Last Edit: January 28, 2021, 06:14:42 PM by PayneEdward »

Offline DavidR

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Re: Fraud?
« Reply #14 on: January 25, 2021, 11:56:11 PM »
It's a good thing you reached out, there are a lot of sadder cases where people don't.

How would you know that ?
If as you say "there are a lot of sadder cases where people don't" reach out.
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