123IT Support Inc.

Review: On Friday, 10/04/13, I received a phone call around 12:20 PM from someone [redacted] supposedly representing Microsoft. He claimed that Microsoft had been trying to contact me regarding severe virus problems that could cause severe damage and even potentially crash my computer. After questioning for a while, I believed him as my laptop recently (within the last two weeks) had had problems and had been repaired (no viruses were found). Harry assured me he was with Microsoft and said by talking to one of their service techs that would be confirmed. He then transferred me to [redacted], supposedly one of their service techs at 123IT Support. [redacted] said a couple of minor diagnostic computer tests would validate their claim and also allow them on behalf of Microsoft to remove or repair any virus problems. Stupidly I turned on my computer, and the test was run indicating that my problem was "service warranty expired". I then followed [redacted] downloading instructions for repair. By doing this, he gained remote access to my laptop, and I no longer had control over my keyboard. [redacted] then tried to sell me a transferable Service Warranty plan (I have all the details written down). I told him I would not purchase anything until I could confirm his connection with Microsoft. Instead of giving me the contact info, he informed me he had the ability to permanently block/shut down/disable my computer if I didn't purchase a plan because Microsoft couldn't allow me to continue using my computer and infecting others with viruses. For over one hour [redacted] refused to give me a phone # and my distrust increased as I knew he had remote access to my computer. I kept telling him any trustworthy business would have no problem giving me their contact info for peace of mind. Not knowing how to get him off my computer or what else do to, I decided to remove my laptop battery, thus shutting it down. [redacted] then got really upset, entered a security password as it was turning off, and said he was disabling my computer. He told me to turn my computer back on and I told him I wouldn't until I had confirmed that he was with Microsoft. Only at that time did he offer a phone # and threatened saying I had better call or I would never be able to use my computer again. I thanked him for the # and said I wouldn't trust any # he gave me now as he had really proven he wasn't with Microsoft by his actions, threats, and demands. He informed me that my computer would not be unblocked until he received a call from one of his associates confirming my call.

I called the 123 IT Support phone # and was pretty sure that the person who answered was [redacted] (same voice), even though they claimed to be [redacted]. I did not talk but hung up and then called back using their other phone options. I called their option 1 for Sales, heard a recording "all customer service reps were assisting other customers"; and option 2 for Support, tried a couple of different extension #'s, but kept hearing "please enter a valid extension". My phone immediately rang and I knew it would be [redacted]n trying to threaten me again so I did not pick up, knowing full well that he had already blocked my computer from future usage.

I then left my house and went to Staples with my laptop. I informed them of my 1 1/2 hr phone ordeal. They indicated that Microsoft would never treat customers that way and asked to check my laptop. It did boot up, but sure enough, it was blocked unless a security password is entered which [redacted] did not give to me.

Later Friday evening, I told my service tech about this incident. He has taken my laptop for inspection.

Saturday, I called Microsoft and spoke with them 1) to check on contracted tech services with 123IT Support, and 2) to inform them that someone is falsely using their name. They confirmed they have no dealings with 123IT Support and apologized for having their service misrepresented.

This afternoon about 3:00 PM, after talking to the Delaware Revdex.com, I did call the 123IT Support # to confirm their physical and web address. They refused to give me their info unless I gave them my contact name and number. They asked me why I wanted the info and I told them to file a complaint from Friday. Once again, they refused to provide contact info until I gave them mine. After my dealings (being threatened and losing my computer) with them on Friday, I did not feel comfortable doing so and hung up.

More questionable info about 123IT Support.

1. Location:

During our phone conversation on Friday, [redacted] said they were located in Columbus, OH. When Microsoft checked the web address on Saturday afternoon, the Microsoft supervisor read to me a Richardson, TX address (which I recorded) which he read from the website. When I check the 123IT Support website, I see a Wilimington, DE, address.

2. Web address:

The web address that the Revdex.com shows is not the same as the one listed on the 123 IT Support website. It reads www.123itsupport.comDesired Settlement: 1. Replace my laptop with a new one as they hacked into mine and it has been compromised. I would not trust them to regain access, even on a temporary basis, to remove their password.

2. Assurance that our personal info on my laptop has not been compromised.

3. Lawsuit for claiming to be tech support with Microsoft. They repeatedly claimed to be calling and providing services for Microsoft, and threatened to shut down my laptop (which they did) if I did not purchase a warranty from them.

Review: I believe this to be a scam. Someone called me indicating that they were from Microsoft and were receiving error messages from my computer and called to offer support. After they worked on my computer new problems began, they apparently fixed it twice. I was suspicious now and called for assistance from other support that I know. The problem that 123IT told me was wrong with my computer does not exist and online sources indicated that my financial information was possibly compromised. I've dealt with the financial aspect, changed credit cards and bank accounts, alerted both to additional charges. I went through the refund procedure described on their website which directed me to ask for refund through a live chat. I did that. They call without notice and question why I did not ask for help from them. I refuse to answer their calls. I'm still working with other support to clean up my computer.

I'm not sure this is the same company because the address and phone numbers don't match what I have. There was no address on the receipt I received via email. I've initiated a dispute with credit card company, and cancelled the card.Desired Settlement: I wish them to honour their 30 day money back satisfaction guarantee. I'm not satisfied because they did not fix my computer. My trusted IT said the problem they stated that my software warranty had expired for Windows. I've since found out that this does not exist. I wish the Revdex.com to make sure these people don't scam anyone else.