I wanted to check out Photoshop software and see how much it was to purchase, so I googled Photoshop. The very first link in Google took me to http://photoshop.cs4-now.com/ . At first glance the site looked legitimate, and I thought everything was on the up and up. I clicked the link that says:
I was directed to a page that asks for my name and email address. Alright, no big deal, everything still looks legitimate. I input the information asked for, and submitted and was redirected to a page with three options...a one year subscription plan, a two year subscription plan and a three year subscription plan, with the annual fee amount going down with each additional year's subscription. I opted for the one year plan because I wanted to test the product out first before committing to anything longer term. So far, everything still seems on the up and up.
I chose the one year subscription and clicked to submit. I was redirected to yet another page in which it asked for my credit card information and informed me that the payment would reflect on my credit card statement as Software-HQ.net. I have made payments on things online before with this same sort of statement, so I thought nothing of it, and entered my credit card information. I was redirected to a page with the order confirmation number, the amount of the transaction, and a statement that said I would need to check my email to verify my account, but that I could log onto my account at the following url:
(DO NOT GO TO THIS URL, THERE IS A TROJAN VIRUS ON IT)
www.software-hq.net/members/logon.asp
Well, I clicked the link to visit the url posted, and immediately, my antivirus software popped up a Trojan alert and gave me the option to abort the action I was about to take. I quickly aborted it. I then copied the url, and pasted it into my browser and tried again. Same thing, Trojan alert. Well, the alarm bells started ringing loud and clear at this point. I immediately began to research this company and found numerous reports of similar scams from other people.
I called my Credit Card company, who gave me the following information:
software-hq.net
parrish, florida
Upon further research, I managed to get the zip code and a toll free phone number (which takes you to a recorded voice message that gives you an email address). I have been unsuccessful at finding a street address for this company.
zip code = 34219
1-800-784-3167
support@software-hq.net
After returning to the original link I had clicked on in Google, I have reviewed that first page and in small print at the bottom of the page I did find a disclaimer from this company stating they are in no way associated with Adobe or it's products. This does not, however, excuse them from the fact that their original link says to download Photoshop CS4, yet that link does not at any time take you to a download for Photoshop CS4 or any other Photoshop software.
This is false advertising and I do have a screenshot of the original site, and the next few subsequent screens that you are directed to from that first page. I also have a screenshot of a page with the url you are directed to from the order confirmation page that shows the alert that pops up from my antivirus program, showing that the page I was directed to does indeed contain a Trojan, and this company was not able to deliver anything it promised to me.
I have emailed them my dispute, and if they do not reverse the charges on my credit card, I will most definitely be pursuing further action against this company. I do believe I have enough evidence to substantiate my claim fully, and will not hesitate to pursue my claim if this company forces my hand.