Complaint Review: McAfee

Last month, I purchase McAfee Internet Security 2004 from a large electronics store. I bought this package, partially because it offered a $30.00 rebate. The rebate required me to send it the original receipt for the purchase, the UPC from the software box, and proof that I owned another virus-protection software package. It also required that I send it this information within 30 days.

I followed the instructions EXACTLY as detailed in the rather detailed form provided on the software package. I filled out the form. In the envelope, I included the original UPC from the McAfee box. I included the original receipt from my purchase. I included my original CD-ROM from my copy of Norton Internet Security 2000 (non-OEM). I sent in all this information the day after I made the purchase.

A month later, I recieved a post card from McAfee stating that they could not issue me the rebate. On the post card, they said that I did not provide proof of purchase (I did!) and that I did not provide proof that I had made a competitive upgrad (I did!). Of course, they told me I could "reapply" but I had already sent them the original of both my proof of purchase and the orignal Norton CD-ROM.

I called the toll-free number and argued briefly with their customer service. Basically, they said that they could not help me if I didn't have original (of course, they already had my originals).

So, I guess I won't be receiving my rebate. I'm out $30.00. McAfee in return lost a customer for life. I will never purchase anything from them again.

If you're considering purchasing any McAfee product because of their rebates, think again.

Andrew
Plantation, Florida
U.S.A.