If I could give this company a negative review I would. I never write reviews for anything but for this company I feel compelled to express how awful they are to warn others to stay far far away.
Two years ago like most people I found Iyogi by accident. I was looking for apple support and thought it was legitimately apple. I quickly realized it wasn't. I canceled the transaction before my money could be taken out of my account. I thought that was the end of it.
For two years I heard nothing from them it was wonderful. However recently they have started incessantly calling me telling me I should update their software. I told them I thought I canceled their services years ago and I do not want them calling me anymore. I told them to put me on their "do not call list". They did not listen they continue to call me repeating how I need to update their software. I mostly ignore their calls.
The other day I accidentally picked up their call and they proceeded to tell me that in order to cancel their services they have to remotely access their software in my computer and delete it. (A year ago I had my whole hard drive wiped for other reasons so I highly doubted their software was still on my computer.) After they delete their software they will not bother me anymore. I am desperate for them to leave me alone so I warily grant them access to my computer. (Stupid mistake. I shouldn't have done that). I watch them like a hawk. A couple minutes into the remote access I stop it because I am getting nervous and I see they are trying to download something onto my computer. When they call me back they tell me they noticed I had some viruses and hacker activity on my computer and they need to continue their work to fix it. They proceed to tell me that that they will show me the hacker activity on my computer. They direct me to a website called geektyper.com This is a hacker simulator website. (it is made to look like a hacker website but it is NOT real it is a game). They told me this is where they were hacking into my computer accessing illegal material. If I do not let them access to my computer to take off this "hacker" then I could be in serious legal trouble and the FBI would be knocking at my door. They proceeded to tell me that because of this they could not take their "software" off my computer and would continue to call me. They offered to connect me to someone who would help take care of the problem and then once it was taken care of they would take off their software. At this point I was calling bull$#*!. I told them I would take care of the "hacker" myself by getting into contact with the genius bar or just some other computer company I trusted. This did not please them. They began to get hostile and started ranting to me about how they were reporting me to the FBI. At this point I had enough and hung up. Twenty minutes later I got another phone call from the same number who said they were from the FBI or some legal person. It was the same man I talked to earlier because I recognized his voice. Again I told them to stop calling and hung up. Five minutes later another call from the same number this time I ignored the call.
After hanging up I spent hours worrying over the fact they had access to my computer. DO NOT let them access to your computer. I ran a malware scan on my computer and it came up clean. There is nothing wrong with my computer. These people are scam artists and I know if I continued to listen to them they would have tried to make me pay for something I did not need. They use scare tactics to get people to pay for things. DO NOT waste your time with them. I wish there was a way to delete my number from their records.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Dec 16 2015
Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Washingtonians scammed up to $540 each
SEATTLE Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced a lawsuit against one of the biggest independent tech support providers in the world, iYogi, and its President, Vishal Dhar, to stop a scam that uses deception and scare tactics to pressure consumers into buying unnecessary tech support services.
The lawsuit, filed in King County Superior Court, alleges iYogis tactics are unfair and deceptive business practices that violate Washingtons Consumer Protection Act. The lawsuit also alleges iYogi induced consumers to install unnecessary software as part of its ploy to coerce them into buying tech support services, a violation of Washingtons Computer Spyware Act.
The state seeks to stop these illegal business practices and recover money for Washington victims. The total number of Washingtonians affected will be identified during the lawsuit, but is estimated to be in the hundreds, if not thousands. The state may seek up to $2,000 in civil penalties for each violation of the Consumer Protection Act and $100,000 per violation of the Computer Spyware Act.
Tech support scams defraud consumers and often trade on the good reputations of legitimate businesses, said Ferguson. This lawsuit sends a message to tech support scammers that my office will hold them accountable.
Tech support scams are a national problem with local ramifications. According to Microsoft, an estimated 71,000 Washingtonians lose $33 million each year to these schemes. Nationwide, an estimated 3.3 million Americans suffer $1.5 billion in annual losses from tech support scams.
We applaud the Washington State Attorney Generals Office for its efforts to protect consumers from tech support scams that have reached epidemic levels in recent years, said Brad Smith, Microsofts President and Chief Legal Officer. Over the past 18 months alone, Microsoft has received more than 180,000 customer calls regarding tech support fraud. Todays announcement is an important step toward addressing this issue, which disproportionately affects the most vulnerable segments of our society.
According to AARP State Director Doug Shadel, tech support scams can disproportionately affect older adults.
Despite emerging years ago, the tech support scam continues to plague consumers around the nation, generating more reports to the AARP Foundation Fraud Fighter Call Center here in Seattle *******283) than any scheme except maybe the IRS Imposter Scam, says Shadel. The bottom line is that manufacturers of computers DO NOT make phone calls or send ads to individual customers about problems with their machines. The best fix for this problem is to simply hang up or contact your service provider independently with questions.
Overview of iYogi
Based out of New York, iYogi has over 5,000 employees with call centers in India. It claims to be one of the biggest independent tech support providers in the world serving over 3 million customers across 11 countries.
IYogi provides subscription-based remote support for personal technological devices such as computers and tablets.
This includes:
Computer diagnostic and repairs;
Security protection;
Performance optimization; and
Antivirus software sales.
Overview of the scam
As part of its investigation, the AGO uncovered the following tactics used by iYogi to sell consumers unneeded tech support services:
In online ads, iYogi associates itself with major technology companies such as Microsoft, Apple and HP. When consumers call iYogi, the representative claims to provide tech support services on behalf of whatever company the consumer inquires about.
After gaining remote access to the consumers computer, iYogi identifies benign but complex-looking files and claims the infected files harm the computer. IYogi misleads the consumer into believing he or she must download iYogis diagnostic software to fully identify the computer problems.
IYogi then produces a diagnostic report on the consumers screen and claims there is malware or other serious defects. IYogi misrepresents the report by telling the consumer these infected files are harming the computer, when in fact the identified items are often routine programs that pose no threat.
Once iYogi has alarmed the consumer, the representative proceeds to aggressively sell a tech support plan to fix the non-existent problems 1 year for $140 or 5 years for $379. IYogi claims the plans cover tech support needs for the length of the contract.
IYogi also informs the consumer the computer doesnt have antivirus software and tries to sell the consumer iYogis antivirus software for up to $80, even if an existing antivirus is already installed.
IYogi also states the consumer needs to update to the Windows 10 operating system, or the computer will be harmed, which it will not. IYogi uses this scare tactic to coerce the consumer into buying Windows 10 for $80, even though Microsoft offers the upgrade for free.
The AGO investigation confirmed that iYogi identified such problems even on a computer with a newly installed operating system.
The AGO alleges these tactics are violations of the Washington Consumer Protection Act and Computer Spyware Act.
In 2005, Washington became one of the first states to adopt a law explicitly prohibiting spyware activities and imposing serious penalties on violators. The statute doesnt stop at outlawing programs that collect personal information, but uses a broader definition of spyware and punishes those who mislead users into believing software is necessary for security. As a result of Attorney General request legislation, the law was updated in 2008 to create additional liability for third-parties that permit the transmission of spyware and to address new types of deceptive behaviors, such as misrepresenting the need for computer repairs.
Tech support scam variations
There are many variations of tech support scams beyond the tactics iYogi employs. Some rely on massive spam campaigns that promise a faster, more secure computer and draw readers to a URL; others use pop-up ads that falsely claim the user's machine is infected with malware. A common tactic involves unsolicited telephone calls where callers pose as computer support technicians. While the tactics vary, the goal is the same: to gain access to your computer and ultimately your money and personal information.
How to avoid the scam
The Attorney Generals Office offers the following tips to avoid tech support scams:
Never give control of your computer to a third party unless you can confirm it is a legitimate representative from a company where youre already a customer;
Ask if there is a fee or subscription associated with the service. If there is, hang up;
Do not provide Social Security numbers, banking, or credit card or other financial information; and
Protect personal computers with legitimate and updated security software.
Victim of a tech support scam? Contact the Attorney Generals Office
If you believe you are a victim of the iYogi scam, or any other tech support scam, file a consumer complaint with the Attorney Generals Office at http://www.atg.wa.gov/file-complaint.
For additional Internet safety tips, advice and information visit the Attorney General's website, here.
-30-
The Office of the Attorney General is the chief legal office for the state of Washington with attorneys and staff in 27 divisions across the state providing legal services to roughly 200 state agencies, boards and commissions. Attorney General Bob Ferguson is working hard to protect consumers and seniors against fraud, keep our communities safe, protect our environment and stand up for our veterans. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.
Contact:
Peter Lavallee, Communications Director, *******725; *******@atg.wa.gov
ALL FAKE... SALE SALE SALE... PITCH UPGRADE,, PRODUCTS,,, BULL$#*! TECHNICANS,,,, ILLETRATE AND UNDERGRADUATE PEOPLE AT WORK.
Your business practices are a scam. Any company that uses malware designed to misrepresent your affiliations is suspect. You duped me once, now I will proclaim it to the world. You are scam artist and probably are involved in illegal activities.
P. S update: iyogi Did finally respond to my concerns and agreed to refund. Seem remorseful about my experience. The potential for this company to be helpful is there if they would knock off questionable practices like posing as Affiliates to Apple, Dell, HP ect as exposed by various bloggers. In the end it was their repeated attempts to sale me additional software in order to provide
Me with the service I had already paid for that did me in. When I see the refund in my account only then will good "karma " exist.
PS it"s now 9/3/15 and still no refund check.
Ps its" now 9/13 and stll no refund. Initiated more complaints. Stay away from these people... there is no good karma.
9/15/15
Sill no refund, (supposedly mailed 8/25/15) Reopened case with the BBB. Now seeking legal alternatives. This is a nightmare you don't want. Buy American! At least if something goes wrong you will have more leverage. Expensive lesson for me!
9/16/15
This is email sent to me by iJogi
Dear Mr. Wyrostek,
As mentioned in our previous email to you, we were going to check the reason for the delay in the delivery of the cheque. We have come to know that the Bank chosen US postal service has lost the mail and hence it never got delivered. We would now need to wire the money into your account directly. The wire transfer is an instantaneous method of transferring the money so there will be no delays however, we would need certain details from you in order to carry out this transaction. Below mentioned is the information we require. We would appreciate if you send it across ASAP so that we can get the needful done.
Customer ID
Country
Beneficiary Name
Beneficiary Address
Bank Name
A/C No.
Bank Address
Routing No.
Swift Code
Sort Code
IBAN No.
Amount
Currency
Best wishes
Regards
Faisal
Active Response Team
IYogi
My response
Your deceptive practices and fumbling bungling way of doing business is wasting my time and stressing me. There is no way in hell I am supplying you with any of my financial information. You may draw up a certified check and mail it with over night service by certified mail. Your other alternative is to mail the check to a third party for verification and have them forward me the check. The BBB is involved. You can request them to be the third party verifies. In the mean time I am going to post your e-mails and responses on Multiple blog sites, everyday until I get my money.:
9/18/2015 still no refund and I continue to struggle with this company. Never do business with iJogi
Finally today 9/29/15 my refund check is finally here and deposited. I am at long last Free of the agony this iyogi has caused me. Hard lesson learned.
Never iJogi!
Stressed out from getting a new wireless computer, Windows 10, then ordering ink for a printer that broke suddenly, so new order also on printer. I was totally emotionally drained from all.
I think I googled Dell support, saw the word Dell, but somehow got connected to Iyogi.
These people told me they work for Dell and what was the problem. And to fix it they wanted $300.00! I said I just paid $1,000.00 for this computer and should receive FREE support!
Well, they told me sorry, but I have to pay and totally near a break down from computer problems I paid $149.00 for one year of Iyogi support ( who stated worked for Dell)
They strongly urged me to pay $300.00 and I refused.
Then I asked them when am I getting my Windows 10 free download as late.
This teck told me i have to order a flash drive to down load my Windows 10! I said ok, I will rush to store and get one. NO NO he said, you have to order it from us! I said why as can have it within a hour and get started. NO he said, you have to have a special on that will go with your kind of computer and other he said other odd things and their would be problems. Stupid me said ok, and cost was $49.99 for this flash drive which I never got.
I asked how many days till I get it and from where is it coming ( could tell he was Indian)
He said I would have it 5 or 6 days. Again I said where is this coming from, what state? No reply and "don't worry, you will have it."
12 days later I call and said I don't have it and where is it? Got Girl this time who said, don't worry you will have in 5 days ( omg!) I said it is already 12 days!
I said from what state is this coming from and give me the tracking #
She said New York and I told her that I would have it in 3 from N. Y. so what is the hold up and give me info. I got no info, be patient, few more days she said.
I forgot to mention that the guy who took my credit card info asked me my password and I was so stressed stupid me gave it! Right after giving I knew I messed up big time,. I hung up and called the credit card company and told them what happened. Had to get another card and change passwords, find the REAL DELL teck and tell all and had to have special remover of viruses as he said they were very hard to get out so then special help was needed and he told me I had payed for premium help which I forgot!
In between this all and fixing a new printer I got scammed again! Somehow the Internet took me to Iyogi AGAIN! So all over again nightmare and turned off computer quick which teck said was smartest thing I did and he started working on it and that quick he found new viruses! OMG! Needed a few V's after all that.
Stay away from Iyogi! I swear I was near a nervous break down after a week of this with them.
I'm not a computer wizard so may seem stupid and am when it comes to stuff like that.
I still do not know how typeing in dell support somehow took me to Iyogi! It must have been some kind of virus already in the works. I still have not recovered and my credit card is working on it now.
I forgot to mention, soon if you cancel this service, watch out for odd phone calls.
I started to receive strange phone calls ( all from people with Indian accents) telling me
"they noticed strange activity on my computer",, well how would they notice strange activity on my computer when they are not involved with my computer?
They will tell you to press letters like R and some other letter on and on. And ask you what happened. I said nothing happened and kept hanging up.
Adding this: forgot to mention that they had a field day using my credit card! Even bought a ticket for a trip! It took time but got all fixed with the credit card and they took off charges.
Had to change all passwords and I have strong feeling that the sudden problem with my expensive all in one printer was from them also.
This update is Nov. 5 th and I am now getting calls from Indians up to 3 times a day that say" they are getting strange activity signals from my computer" I now say, thanks and hang up, some of the calls will say they are getting signals from my Windows and I say I will contact Windows myself so no need calling anymore. ( I have no computer problems)
These people are ruthless and never seem to stop!
ON TARGET. GET THE JOB DONE. KNOWLEDGEABLE//
GREAT SERVICE, EASY TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS
Your tech reps are efficient, polite
Iyogi technicians prove as being extraordinarily able to resolve most any need and or concern a customer may have. In fact the technicians may ask if you have extra available time as they often recommend updates and or to clean up and tune up my laptops. From time to time technicians also may recommend a product and or service of benefit value their customers.
It's my opinion the technicians are not monetarily compensated by how many calls they take, rather compensated through customer feedback surveys ETC… This is a VERY Important fact to consider when considering Iyogi services. They are available 24 hours a day including all USA and International holidays.
I have been with Iyogi services for quite a long time, perhaps six years. They are always improving and willing to listen and take recommendations. My computer technical needs are normally closed as resolved pretty quickly however in the rarity of unable to fix – Technicians have the ability to escalate the issue to a higher more advanced technical team of experts. When they arrange a callback for me they are punctual with calling me back. There have been times when for whatever reason I was not able to take their call, they have no issues to call and follow up with their customers. Iyogi has several options to contact them for technical remote assistance. This support dock feature offers a nice service with a knowledgeable technician regardless how they are called upon. Personally my experience most of the time is positive. Most of the time I prefer to pick up the phone and call them. It's my experience when you have a live call with remote assistance one can gain additional knowledge.
I enjoy and appreciate hearing the variety of Indian cultural accented voices. For the most part, the technicians are very pleasant and work diligently to resolve any issue you can think of. I most always can hear the smile in these technician voices.
I use their TechGeni automated tool all the time. It allows me to keep my system free of excessive cookies and junk files. It's my experience management trains staff well and most always technicians are familiar with a variety of programs and applications. The most important thing to know here is that you are able to work with one technician for each and every question, program and or service need you may have. Technicians are careful and mindful to not access any of your personal information.
Another wards technicians will remind you to close any personal information. The remote assistance can be stopped by you at any moment.
Microsoft on the other hand for example: has to transfer you for each and every questions.
They also will not assist with anything that you did not purchase from them. Iyogi is most always willing to listen to their customer and will attempt to fix and or service any question or hardware functioning.