Arrayhub

Victim Location 08902

Total money lost $999.99

Type of a scam Tech Support

Two days ago my computer was locked by "*** Security Services" stating that my computer informed *** of viruses dangerous to Microsoft and that I had five minutes to call or my computer would be disabled. This happened after going to a *** link and a "newsflash" alongside that said Jane Fonda was dead, and we clicked onto that "article." This block happened immediately. I went through the process of calling their number and working with a representative who told me I had to buy virus protection for $575.99 from *** before they could eliminate the 2956 plus viruses they claimed they found. Additionally I paid 399.00 for a license to *** ***, my total authorized check payment came to $999.99 – all because I did not know how to unlock my computer and needed access.. While their technician worked on cleaning up the computer, I failed to call ***  directly so I did not learn this was a scam and that *** would never block a computer like that. I immediately called my bank, but my personal check had already been processed. The bank suggested I call 888-384-6851, and I made a telephone request for a refund to a gentleman named Scott from the payment processing firm *** *** *** and he tells me that he will process my request for a refund to be received in 3-5 business days to my checking account. In the meantime, I have called the *** *** folks about my customer ID 63155 (800-210-0464), and my desire to relieve my obligation for their virus protector on my personal PC – they promised to call me within 24 hrs., but did say they already did the work on my PC and would have their supervisor call me back. ???? who knows how this will end up. March 23, 2017

Victim Location 07666

Type of a scam Tech Support

While using the computer, a notice in the form of a visual and audible pop-up informed the user that the computer was being attacked and to call a number to help resolve the issue through a virus protection program. The user called believing the message was from Microsoft. Once called, the IT technician purposefully confused, alarmed, and misrepresented the services being offered. After fooling the user to believe his computer was under attack and needed immediate attention, the IT technician sold what the user believed was a Symantec virus protection software that typically retails for $44.99 to $99.99 for $799.99. The user was informed that they had to give the bank account number and routing number of the user’s account as his credit card may have already been hacked. The IT technician then spent several hours remotely "installing" protection software in the computer. Although offering a "100% refund policy", when the user called within 24 hours to cancel the service because he was suspicious as to why it was so above market value, he was notified that was not possible and he would still be responsible for the work the technician did to "fix" the computer at a rate of $199.99. It was not until the user received a confirmation email that he realized he was dealing with a third party merchant called Arrayhub, and not with Symantec itself. The user now believes that malicious software was installed on the computer. The user did contact Symantec, and Arrayhub is a registered merchant, but is not allowed to sell products above the Symantec established price.

Victim Location 34491

Type of a scam Tech Support

They put a block on my computer and a phone number to fix it. (1-800-276-2163) When I called they try to help and tell me that my computer needs protection and they can give me the protection. They said that they were the company that Microsoft refers for this kind of problem solving. They will get me a complete protection program for 299.99 for 2 years. They started getting my information and they wanted me to fill a form giving them my bank account and routing number so I could make the payment, there is when I said, NO.NO. Then they say that if I did I don’t do it the I would not be able to do business with Microsoft ever again. I shot of the computer, started again in a minute and it started working again. Today it happen again. I shot the computer off.

Victim Location 59922

Total money lost $30

Type of a scam Tech Support

This AM my computer was locked by "Microsoft Security Services" stating that my computer informed Microsoft of viruses dangerous to Microsoft and that I had five minutes to call or my computer would be disabled. This happened after going to a Facebook link and a "newsflash" alongside that said Jane Fonda was dead, and we clicked onto that "article." This block happened immediately. I went through the process of calling their number and working with a representative who told me I had to buy three months virus protection for $199.99 from Symantec before they could eliminate the 1400 plus viruses they claimed they found. I paid because I did not know how to unlock my computer and needed access.. While their technician worked on cleaning up the computer, I called MicroSoft directly and learned this was a scam, that MicroSoft would never block a computer like that. MicroSoft’s representative suggested I stop payment on the charge, which I did. I further learned that my computer was already fully protected, ran a scan, and that there were no viruses or threats on my computer. I am out the stop payment fee to my bank and nearly four hours time hassling this out.