Author Topic: Avast! Tis spyware me hearties!  (Read 5971 times)

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Offline Hakakeen

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Avast! Tis spyware me hearties!
« on: May 22, 2022, 01:14:04 PM »
Before I cancel my subscription and go to a different system is there a way to stop Avast from bombarding me with adverts for it's other products.
A few weeks ago I went into the options and unticked a box for getting promotions and that hasn't done anything.

It is one of the main reasons I am very close to getting rid of this software, as it seems like every other time I boot up there is a new message:

"WARNING! You have chosen to NOT give us MORE money! RISK! FEAR! BE AFRAID! Or give us another €15/month to fix all these problems"

Even if I did, there are so many services there would be another message for another reason later.
It used to be that buying premium included all the other servics, so it's bad enough that they are now charging extra for it, but would be nice to not have it thrust down my throat every moment.


Offline Asyn

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Re: Avast! Tis spyware me hearties!
« Reply #1 on: May 22, 2022, 01:20:13 PM »
- Which version/build of Avast Premium..?
- OS..? (32/64 Bit..? - which SP/Build..?)
- Other security related software installed..?
- Please post/attach a screenshot of the ad(s).
W8.1 [x64] - Avast Free AV 23.3.8047.BC [UI.757] - Firefox ESR 102.9 [NS/uBO/PB] - Thunderbird 102.9.1
Avast-Tools: Secure Browser 109.0 - Cleanup 23.1 - SecureLine 5.18 - DriverUpdater 23.1 - CCleaner 6.01
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Offline Rundvleeskroket

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Re: Avast! Tis spyware me hearties!
« Reply #2 on: May 23, 2022, 01:23:01 AM »
I agree. The fear mongering is getting pretty desperate.

Annoying for people who know how to interpret the upsell tactics, but downright frightening for less savvy people. Like parents/grandparents/etc. who's machines we manage.

It takes a lot of explaining. Same with the 'upgrade' screens after an update and such. No obvious way to avoid buying a licence. You somehow have to figure out to click the X to close the window. Just sad.

All this is to say: these choices the Avast team make in the name of upselling, makes Avast Free actually less suitable for a lot of people. Because besides having to judge actual virus and malware alerts, they also have to judge all these popups disguised as alerts Avast is throwing at them. It's too much.

In any case it makes it so that I have stopped recommending Avast to new potential users years ago. It used to be my default go-to. A quite nice, unobtrusive, and light AV. Those days are long gone.
« Last Edit: May 23, 2022, 03:56:20 AM by Rundvleeskroket »

Offline Hakakeen

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Re: Avast! Tis spyware me hearties!
« Reply #3 on: May 27, 2022, 05:53:09 PM »
Upselling is bang the money! That is what I am complaining about.
When I first started using Avast! about 10 years ago, it was then mostly free and had neat feature that when scanning for viruses, it would make a loud alarm noise to indicate it.
As my usage changed I eventually paid for it (and still do) I was then given a whole host of services, like updating drivers and system clean ups.

These have now become an extra financial addon instead.  Presumably because there is more time investment for it from the developers, okay this makes sense.
If I constantly have to "upgrade" (or "pay more") to get these features then I would simply like the opportunity in a setting menu to be able to say: No.

Or more precisely "No, and please don't pester me every time I run the computer with popups that sometimes misleadingly imply that you will fix the problem until I then hit a payment wall"
It might be good business, but it is very annoying and a reason I consider switching services, so I thought to ask in here for advice before taking my money elsewhere.
The title was meant to be both humourous and yet inflammatory enough to get read..

If the best reply I can get is "Stop fear mongering, avast rocks! just suck up and pay" (not quoting anyone) then my motivation to change is increased.

Offline Asyn

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Re: Avast! Tis spyware me hearties!
« Reply #4 on: May 27, 2022, 06:01:01 PM »
You can disable the ads in the paid versions: Avast GUI -> Settings -> Personal Privacy
W8.1 [x64] - Avast Free AV 23.3.8047.BC [UI.757] - Firefox ESR 102.9 [NS/uBO/PB] - Thunderbird 102.9.1
Avast-Tools: Secure Browser 109.0 - Cleanup 23.1 - SecureLine 5.18 - DriverUpdater 23.1 - CCleaner 6.01
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Offline Hakakeen

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Re: Avast! Tis spyware me hearties!
« Reply #5 on: May 29, 2022, 10:16:57 PM »
Yes this was my original complaint. I asked before and was given this suggestion.
It doesn't work, you still get spammed with attempts to upsell.

Offline EdAgee

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Re: Avast! Tis spyware me hearties!
« Reply #6 on: May 29, 2022, 10:45:56 PM »

< < < truncated > > >

"WARNING! You have chosen to NOT give us MORE money! RISK! FEAR! BE AFRAID! Or give us another €15/month to fix all these problems"

< < < truncated > > >


I apologize for this, but I would like to confirm that what is in that quote box is an actual advert put out by this company. I mean, I am sort of surprised at that style of language used and before I give this deeper thought I really want to be sure that is an actual advert. I apologize because it seems I am not trusting you Hakakeen, but - - -  well, I am very surprised and need to be sure I am understanding the post.

And thank you.

Offline DavidR

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Re: Avast! Tis spyware me hearties!
« Reply #7 on: May 29, 2022, 11:51:57 PM »

< < < truncated > > >

"WARNING! You have chosen to NOT give us MORE money! RISK! FEAR! BE AFRAID! Or give us another €15/month to fix all these problems"

< < < truncated > > >


I apologize for this, but I would like to confirm that what is in that quote box is an actual advert put out by this company. I mean, I am sort of surprised at that style of language used and before I give this deeper thought I really want to be sure that is an actual advert. I apologize because it seems I am not trusting you Hakakeen, but - - -  well, I am very surprised and need to be sure I am understanding the post.

And thank you.

No it isn't an Avast Advertisement, it is a personal dig/slight at Avast, by Hakakeen, showing his dissatisfaction.
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Offline EdAgee

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Re: Avast! Tis spyware me hearties!
« Reply #8 on: May 30, 2022, 03:37:56 AM »
Thank you, DavidR.

I wonder if I'm going to need to go elsewhere, like Google's search engine, to find examples of the Avast adverts? I don't suppose you'd have a folder with screen shots of such ads, would you, DavidR?

I did see Asyn's request for examples to be posted, but ... - - - Well, I should be patient, right?

Anyway, thank you for the prompt response.

Offline DavidR

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Re: Avast! Tis spyware me hearties!
« Reply #9 on: May 30, 2022, 04:20:08 AM »
You're welcome.
If you use Avast then you would see what Promotions, in program ads. 

Now, that you have changed your settings, they should be greatly reduced.  Whilst I don't believe it should be necessary, a system restart wouldn't hurt to ensure that the settings are applied.

I use Avast Free so these options aren't available, but I honestly don't see that many.  Those that I do see I just smile inwardly and move on.  The promotions for the most part I already have covered or they don't present a risk (to me), so they are ignored. 

I also don't run any on demand Scans, especially the Smart scan as I see this as more of a vehicle to promote other services.

I do understand that people who have a paid product for Avast don't like to see promotions/ads for other avast products.  I also believe that these options should be disabled by default having paid. 

I also see that Avast as a company have to make a profit and if you work on the fact that they have already bought an Avast product, perhaps there are other products they may consider.
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

Offline EdAgee

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Re: Avast! Tis spyware me hearties!
« Reply #10 on: May 30, 2022, 04:39:27 AM »
At this location I don't have Avast running on any of the units, but at our other house I think I have Avast running on one unit. Unfortunately, so much is in disarray and I am not sure about the units at the other location.

As for the adverts, I recall some irritation at some in the past when I had the free version, but that seems to be sort of like those horrid billboards on a nice stretch of highway that sort of messes up what would otherwise be a pleasant view of a forest or such.

But with a paid subscription, that tool for blocking those that the OP showed us in that screen grab; that should work, yes? I'd be interested to see what is popping up on that paid version.

Offline Asyn

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Re: Avast! Tis spyware me hearties!
« Reply #11 on: May 30, 2022, 08:50:22 AM »
Yes this was my original complaint. I asked before and was given this suggestion.
It doesn't work, you still get spammed with attempts to upsell.
Strange, I don't get any ads here. Could you post a screenshot..!?
W8.1 [x64] - Avast Free AV 23.3.8047.BC [UI.757] - Firefox ESR 102.9 [NS/uBO/PB] - Thunderbird 102.9.1
Avast-Tools: Secure Browser 109.0 - Cleanup 23.1 - SecureLine 5.18 - DriverUpdater 23.1 - CCleaner 6.01
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Offline bob3160

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Re: Avast! Tis spyware me hearties!
« Reply #12 on: May 30, 2022, 12:47:36 PM »
Yes this was my original complaint. I asked before and was given this suggestion.
It doesn't work, you still get spammed with attempts to upsell.
Strange, I don't get any ads here. Could you post a screenshot..!?
Location could also be a factor. I don't know where Hakakeen is located.
I know you're in the EU.
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Offline Asyn

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Re: Avast! Tis spyware me hearties!
« Reply #13 on: May 30, 2022, 12:53:54 PM »
Yes this was my original complaint. I asked before and was given this suggestion.
It doesn't work, you still get spammed with attempts to upsell.
Strange, I don't get any ads here. Could you post a screenshot..!?
Location could also be a factor. I don't know where Hakakeen is located.
I know you're in the EU.
Hi Bob, good point. Do you get ads with the paid versions in the US..?
W8.1 [x64] - Avast Free AV 23.3.8047.BC [UI.757] - Firefox ESR 102.9 [NS/uBO/PB] - Thunderbird 102.9.1
Avast-Tools: Secure Browser 109.0 - Cleanup 23.1 - SecureLine 5.18 - DriverUpdater 23.1 - CCleaner 6.01
Avast Wissenswertes (Downloads, Anleitungen & Infos): https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=60523.0

Offline bob3160

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Re: Avast! Tis spyware me hearties!
« Reply #14 on: May 30, 2022, 12:59:36 PM »
Yes this was my original complaint. I asked before and was given this suggestion.
It doesn't work, you still get spammed with attempts to upsell.
Strange, I don't get any ads here. Could you post a screenshot..!?
Location could also be a factor. I don't know where Hakakeen is located.
I know you're in the EU.
Hi Bob, good point. Do you get ads with the paid versions in the US..?
When I had a paid version, I can't recall it ever happening on a regular basis.
I'm currently using the free version and do on occasion get a popup I'd consider an ad.
I would not consider it to be invasive or overburdening however.
I also realize I'm getting excellent protection and I'm not paying for it so,
an occasional prompt to get me to pay for the product isn't out of line in my opinion.
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