Software Rip-off
by Henry Mullis
on
Jun 26, 2008 at 9:06:17 pm
Hey guys,
Long time user - first time poster. I hate that my first post is this but I need some advice. I recently purchased a copy of Adobe Master Collection at a high enough price that it could be a legit volume license so I gave it some credibility. My mistake... It came to my attention today that this software is cracked and pirated. I emailed the gentlemen that sold me the software and he stated "no refunds" and all that garbage. He will not respond to my phone calls now either. My next step is to go to his office but that makes me a little nervous. Anyway, it is embarrassing to be ripped off but I need some help. What should I do from here? All I want is my money back so I can go to a legitimate seller and buy the software. Help me out guys. Thanks!
Re: Software Rip-off by Dave LaRonde on Jun 26, 2008 at 9:44:57 pm
Unless you happen to know two guys named Guido and Bruno who have a talent for breaking limbs, you may be stuck. However, you could spare others the same fate by divulging the vendor's name, address, phone, email, etc.
Besides alerting other would-be victims, I just thought of an additional course of action.......
The folks at Adobe may also be interested in learning the gent's identity, particularly if you have the paper trail that shows that you bought supposedly-legitimate software from him. I bet Adobe has attorneys who would LOVE to apply their tender ministrations to this lowlife.
Dave LaRonde
Sr. Promotion Producer
KCRG-TV (ABC) Cedar Rapids, IA
Re: Software Rip-off by Andrew Yoole on Jun 26, 2008 at 11:32:12 pm
Write them a letter threatening legal action if they do not supply a full refund. It'll look more serious if it's on a lawyer's letterhead, so if you have a friend who's a lawyer or something, ask the favour.
Also draft a letter to the Anti-Piracy Department of Adobe, and include a copy of the letter with your legal note to the guy.
Hopefully he'll panic and give you a refund. Then, notify Adobe Anti-Piracy anyway.
Re: Software Rip-off by Chris Heuer on Jun 27, 2008 at 12:08:38 pm
You could also check your local news station and see if they have a reporter team that exposes these guys. I work for the ABC affiliate in Washington DC. We have the "On Your Side" team. These guys expose frauds like this and help get the victim's their money back.
Most bad guys don't like that much light shined in their dark, dingy corner!
Re: Software Rip-off by Shawn Miller on Jun 27, 2008 at 5:11:55 pm
If you're in the US, you don't have to threaten legal action... just take it. Fraud and piracy are both criminal matters. Call the Distric Attorney's office and tell them what happened... let them take it from there. At least, that's what I would do. :-)
