April 16, 2019
I’ve been ‘Frank the Computer Guy’ since coming home from the War of 1812. Actually, 1983. I never claim to be the best in the business, but I WILL be honest.
Office Depot along with business partner Support.com agreed to pay a settlement of $35 million to the Federal Trade Commission for allegations the two companies scammed customers into buying computer repair services that were NOT needed.
Office Depot will pay $25 million and software supplier Support.com will pay $10 million.
Office Depot advertised ‘free PC Health Check’ for several years (2009-2016). The customer would haul their computer to the store (remember – I come to YOU), then tell the customer how their computer was infected with bad stuff such as viruses and malware. Big problem – Office Depot LIED.
The FTC claim states Office Depot ran PC Health Check, a diagnostic scam, I mean scan, program created and licensed by Support.com. PC Health Check software results cheated the customers into thinking their computer was infected with malware/viruses.
Many of these customers then purchased Office Depot diagnostic and repair services from Office Depot and OfficeMax paying up to $300. Partner Support.com got a cut of each purchase.
Folks, please, please, PLEASE call/text/email/snail mail/smoke signal – whatever – call me first. Big Box stores do not have your best interest in mind.
And $300 – really? The most I have ever charged is $125!