Can IT company charge for Microsoft Security Essentials?

[hazel m]

No all I have to worry about is will they make an automatic charge to my account next January. Used to be you could tell your credit card company not to allow certain companies/persons to charge. You cannot do that any more. At least not on mine. Getting a new card would solve that but then there's all the hasle of notifying all the legitimate people who charge. Not a lot of them but.....

Life is not for sissies!

 

[Jacee]

Get a new credit card! These so called IT phony people 'bilked' you out of money! Don't let them do it again.

 

[hazel m]

Get a new credit card! These so called IT phony people 'bilked' you out of money! Don't let them do it again.

Weighing all my options, I have about decided that is the easiest way. Thanks. I agree.

 

[essenbe]

MSE updates through Windows update or you can click the update tab and update it manually anytime you want. I 'trained' my Wife to manually update every morning as soon as she turns on the computer. She is used to it now and every morning that's the first thing she does. I do too.

I think I would have to write a letter to the local BBB about that company and continue to try to get in touch with Microsoft. I'm sure they would want to know.

 

[Kari]

You could fill in this form: https://support.microsoft.com/contactus/emailcontact.aspx?scid=sw;en;1671&ws=reportabuse

I've done it two times in past years, was contacted by MS quite soon after both times. Also posting at Microsoft Community sometimes brings things quite fast to Microsoft's attention: Microsoft Community

Kari

 

[hazel m]

Everyone says they will answer but they don't. I also wrote to ESET - the previous program I had. No reply from them either. It seems to be a habit - not to reply. Maybe I'll try that form. Thanks.

 

[bigmck]

Everyone says they will answer but they don't. I also wrote to ESET - the previous program I had. No reply from them either. It seems to be a habit - not to reply. Maybe I'll try that form. Thanks.

You should contact your Credit Card company. File a complaint and stop any future charges by that company. This way you won't have to change your Credit Card. Tell your Credit Card company it was an unauthorized charge. This will get your $159 back.

 

[DavidE]

MSE updates through Windows update or you can click the update tab and update it manually anytime you want. I 'trained' my Wife to manually update every morning as soon as she turns on the computer. She is used to it now and every morning that's the first thing she does. I do too.

You can also add a scheduled task to check for definition updates.
I've set up tasks to check every hour or two so the definitions are more current than once a day.
The thing I don't like about that is it adds a LOT of entries (per day) in the Windows Update History as you can see here:

 

[hazel m]

Everyone says they will answer but they don't. I also wrote to ESET - the previous program I had. No reply from them either. It seems to be a habit - not to reply. Maybe I'll try that form. Thanks.

You should contact your Credit Card company. File a complaint and stop any future charges by that company. This way you won't have to change your Credit Card. Tell your Credit Card company it was an unauthorized charge. This will get your $159 back.

They used to do that - block future charges. They no longer do. We have to wait until the charge appears on the account and then fight it. As for getting the $159 back, I'd have to first have a firm statement that MS does not approve charging for MSE. They aren't going to take my word for it. All I want, though, is to prevent anything more happening in the future.

 

[whs]

I would drag these people into court and get all my money back plus some. The fact that MSE is free is public knowledge. Get a good lawyer.

 

[bigmck]

................ As for getting the $159 back, I'd have to first have a firm statement that MS does not approve charging for MSE. They aren't going to take my word for it. All I want, though, is to prevent anything more happening in the future.

You don't need Microsoft. Tell your Credit Card company it was an "Unauthorized Charge". That is all you need. The Credit Card company will take the money from the IT company's account. It will take a couple weeks.

 

[Gator]

I would be absolutely shocked if your bank wouldn't block something from a business if you tell them its a fraudulent charge.

 

[gregrocker]

Install Malwarebytes free version scanner, decline free trial, update and run a Full Scan.

Let's check if they are spying on you via remote connection, or there is other spyware or crap starting up with Windows without your knowledge or need.

Click on the Start Button, type msconfig in the Search box there, rightclick on result to Run as Admin. In msconfig click on the Startup tab.

Next do the same for Snipping Tool, click on New button, then select Window Snip, click on msconfig window you have open to snip it. This will open a snapshot window you can Save As, give it a name, save to Desktop. You may need to scroll down to do this a second time if all of the checked boxes don't fit in the snip.

Now in msconfig open the Services tab, check the box to Hide all MS Services, repeat the above to take another snip(s) of all checked boxes to save to Desktop. Attach all snips using the paper clip icon in reply box. Screenshots and Files - Upload and Post in Seven Forums - Windows 7 Forums

Almost every box that's checked is likely a freeloader starting on Win7's back, usually to spy on you. For best performance nothing needs to be checked in either msconfig window except MSE, any sync or cloud service you use. But we can advise you if you're unsure and possibly spot any spyware or remote app they could be using to connect to your PC.

 

[UsernameIssues]

Stopping payment on this recurring charge by...
...getting another credit card
...or claiming that it is an "Unauthorized Charge"
...or some other method
could be considered a breach of contract. The IT company could turn the bill over to a collection agency. It all depends on what you agreed to when you paid the original bill. You might want to locate a copy of the original document or visit the IT company in person to get a copy. Then seek advice from a lawyer.

 

[Britton30]

What is the name and website if this shIT company? Since they committed fraud selling you something they don't own I suspect any and all agreements you made with them are null and void.

I would really argue with your card company or bank, no one has the right to make unauthorized charges. Bring them to the law as well.

 

[UsernameIssues]

Those scamming people might very well have their legal ducks in a row. The OP might need to end the contract in writing.

The scam might convince people that the annual fee is for MSE - but nothing in writing backs that up. The OP might have signed a 10 year service agreement with annual fees. Stopping payment (without the correct notification) on that type of agreement could set up the OP for huge early termination fees, breach of contract and a mark or two on ye ole credit history.

 

[carwiz]

No agency I know of is going to enforce a scam. And, I'm with Greg. I'd be finding out what else is hidden on the system. Things like key loggers, data gatherers and a backdoor for locking files. Cripes, the IT place could be seeing everything the OP is seeing here. I wouldn't trust them.

 

[essenbe]

No agency I know of is going to enforce a scam. And, I'm with Greg. I'd be finding out what else is hidden on the system. Things like key loggers, data gatherers and a backdoor for locking files. Cripes, the IT place could be seeing everything the OP is seeing here. I wouldn't trust them.

 

[Jacee]

Hazel, let's take a quick look at what might be on your computer that you didn't authorize...
Download DDS from one of these links:
DDS.com
DDS.pif

• Disable any script blocking protection
• Double click the dds icon to run the tool.
• When done, DDS will open two (2) logs:
  1. DDS.txt
  2. Attach.txt <--- will be minimized in the task tray
• Save both reports to your desktop.

Include the contents of both logs in your next post reply. If you can't post as an attachment, then copy and paste.

 

[Layback Bear]

1. Stop that credit card from ever being used again. That company will keep trying to tap it.

2. That company is as crooked as the Snake River. The last place they want to be in is a court room. What they will do is turn it over to a collection agency they own (the next desk over) and try again to get your money by heckling you with snail mail and phone calls.

3. The down side I can think of is that they gave you MSE and charged you their labors for installing it.
Now you need a lawyer to file papers using the legal system.
Most likely when receiving these papers they will disappear and start up all over again using another identity.

4. Please do as Jacee has requested (post # 39) so she can see the logs you post.

5.Like so many have posted; you need to know if that company has left some little goodies in your computer other than MSE.

6. You need to change every password you have and do it from a clean computer. Very very important that is done now.

7. Stay away for things like this. If in doubt post on this forum first. It's a con game and you don't want them in your computer.

Example:
http://www.myfasterpc.junk/bbc_medium=search&utm_campaign=g1&utm_source=fast&utm_term=

8. Tell your friends so they don't get cough with scams like you have. Better yet have them joint our forum and they can ask question.