Driver Support
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LONG ACCOUNT, BUT PLEASE READ IT IF YOU WANT TO AVOID MY MISTAKES!

I innocently clicked on a pop-up informing me that my one or more of my drivers needed updating. The next screen asks me to pay $39.00 for software that will track and update all my driver update needs. When I submit my credit card info, I am instructed to call an 800 number to activate my new software.

I trustingly (and stupidly) allowed the technician to assume remote control of my computer; he informs me that my computer is in serious disrepair and only a Windows/Microsoft technician can fix the problems--I cannot fix them on my own! He even demonstrated some of the elements of the operating system that had been disabled. Alternatively, he says he can fix them while in remote control of my computer, for $25 less than the Windows tech fee of $300. I said no. I was then subjected to the most intense hard-sell pitch from about three different people before I terminated the call.

I wish the story ended there. It did not. The next time I tried to boot up my computer, it was slow, erratic, and--finally--would not allow me to sign on.

I took the computer (which was only a few months old, and on which I had worked for less than 50 hours) to a reputable dealer, who informed me that the system was overrun with malware and other nasty stuff. Yes, he could fix it--and for a lot less that $300! He also informed me that many of the malware titles were indeed familiar; at least a dozen other customers had experienced exactly the same problem. In short, when I refused to pay the Driver Support techs to "fix" my computer, they apparently left a nasty souvenir.

Oh, by the way--driver updates are available for FREE from the manufacturer (e.g., Dell, HP) of your computer.

Total out-of-pocket costs: about $170.00--$39.99 for the software I didn't need and $130.00 for the professional repairman to fix the damage.

DO NOT FALL FOR THIS SCAM!