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Dave H Mdp

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It's to long to type out but you will be able to read it on the BBB.org website soon.

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Iolo Technologies - It's to long to type out but you will be able to read it on the BBB.org...
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I called since my PC was running slow, a tech remoted in and was doing all kinds of deleting files, programs, and what else I have no idea. During this time he stopped and told me I had to pay $179 for the work he was doing, I told him I couldn't pay at that time and that was pretty much the end, he stopped and I had to leave anyway.

Later that night when I got home I went to use my PC and it wasn't running slow, it wasn't running at all. I contacted them that night, explained the situation and I got you still have to pay $179 to fix it, I told him at least it was working before the tech got involved and now it doesn't work at all. You still need to pay $179 for us to fix it. The next morning I did a chat with Sara, explained yet again, you can guess what she told me, you have to pay the $179.

I refused informing her like I did everyone else the PC was working it was working slow until you guys got involved and now it doesn't work at all.

You still need to pay $179 for us to fix it. I told her I would just file a BBB complaint and see if they could help and that was the end of the chat.

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Cons:
  • Do not inform you about added charge

Preferred solution: For them to fix my computer without my having to pay any additional money, it wasn't broke before they remoted into it. If I have to purchase a new PC due to their negligence I can answer the question about did I lose any money

User's recommendation: Do not allow them to remote into your PC if you have the basic version of system mechanic. Don't expect them to tell you ahead of time that for them to remote in and work on your PC they require a $179, they wait until they've done something nefarious to your PC to make you pay to fix what they broke, My PC may have been running slow but at least it was running, not after they became involved it wasn't any longer.

Danny W Sdc

Chat agents do not give customer service

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Most chat agents won't let you talk a technical until they sell you their products, even though you don't want more items. This company does not have a phone numbering for Australia.

The numbers that they give Telstra information are incorrect or invalid. So for Australian users, the only contact is Via their Chat Site. If you need to speak to their people in the Accounts Department, the Chat Agents inform you "Sorry we can't do that".

Accounts or sales personnel won't even phone you to sort out my problem.

If and when you can connect to a Technician to repair your computer, they are great at what they do. The technicians are brilliant but can't say the same for the Chat Site Agents

To Australian users Beware, look in Australia for Technical support.

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Pros:
  • Absolutely wonderful technician
Cons:
  • Very poor customer service by their chat site agents

Preferred solution: I just need to sort out my issues with their accounts department

User's recommendation: With legitimated Phone numbers that are for Australian Users Don't use them

Anonymous
map-marker Greenock, Inverclyde

Loss of trust: surprised to find I'm paying them $240 p.a. for something I don't want.

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Trust lost: Surprised at monthly payments to a subscription I wasn't aware of.

I was surprised when Paypal notified me I was paying a monthly subscription (about $240 per year) to ReaIDefense for "Tech Support" which I neither want nor need. After some emails to Iolo I now understand how I came to be signed up to make monthly payments to RealDefense LLC.

Apparently the commitment was bundled with my renewal of System Mechanic back in November.

RealDefense pointed out that the terms were communicated during that renewal, the implication being that my subsequent experience of paying for something I don't want must surely be down to my own stupidity.

The fact is, I have been using System Mechanic for over 20 years and have got used to annual renewals.

I guess I was anticipating the normal routine, so wasn't paying full attention and didn't notice the extra commitment which has been bundled with the software this year.

Yes, that sure makes me feel stupid.

It was just fortunate that Paypal did alert me when the new paid subscription began on 20th December.

I notice however that RealDefense LLC didn't send any sort of confirmation. This seems to be a sign that the deliberate marketing strategy behind the Tech Support subscription is set up to passively renew, with the added benefit that RealDefense can take advantage of (stupid) customers who may not be aware they signed up to a subscription, or may have forgotten (I suspect this is the real purpose of the "30-day trial" period).

As long as no further confirmations are sent to warn the customeer, then the subscription can roll on indefinitely. And if people aren't even aware they have the subscription, they won't even use the service!

Good for RealDefense!

I'm sure that RealDefense marketing think this is a great strategy, and maybe it is bringing in lots of cash to that organisation.

However I take a really dim view of companies which are not fully up front about how they are taking my money. I also don't like dealing with organisations whose business plan relies on making me feel stupid.

I don't intend to renew RealDefense software again.

After more than 20 years of using Iolo's software, the new pushy marketing strategy has lost the trust of this customer.

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User's recommendation: Stay away from this company.

Resolved
Jo G Hou

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Supporter

Resolved: Difficulty in contacting the company to resolve issues

Updated by user Jan 10, 2024

Company fixed the issue and I have been provided with full refund. Company agreed to refund two payments for tech support and cancelled subscriptions as requested.

Original review Jan 10, 2024
Used System Mechanic for many years but when upgrades to Windows 10 Pro conflicts occurred with my security software so decided to remove SM and cancel subscription. Found it impossible to contact Iolo Technologies by phone or email from UK and could see charges being made automatically for tech support. By chance found the Pissed Consumer website and all was quickly resolved. Very impressed and relieved, thank you.
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Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: WWindows 10 /11 already has the equivalent software as System Mechanic

Christos Mqv
map-marker Springfield, Ohio

Iolo sets up unauthorized billing, customers can no longer access their own accounts.

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The parent company of Iolo, RealDefense, LLC, sets up unauthorized billing without the users knowledge or consent. Users can no longer access their own account. After a call to IOLO, Tech support told me that I would no longer be billed automatically, would not give a refund, and that users can no longer view their accounts. Then he wanted access to my PC. I refused. I received emails that my subscriptions were cancelled. I uninstalled the programs (that I thought were great products). And now I want to warn other IOLO and RealDefense, LLC product users to steer clear of these products.
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User's recommendation: STAY AWAY FROM IOLO AND REALDEFENSE,LLC products

Eric J Uza

Charges for services not ordered

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We were charged $19.95 a month for tech support we did not order. When we renewed our subscription we got an invoice for System Mechanic only. The line for tech support showed 0 charge. Do not trust this company. We have read other similar complaints of people being charged for tech support they did not order.
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Loss:
$99
Pros:
  • Good for maintenance
Cons:
  • Unscrupulous

Preferred solution: Full refund

Anonymous
map-marker Edmonton, Alberta

Having latest version

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Ny System Mechanic will not respond at times, I did a google search about programs not responding, says ensure I have the latest version, I buy my system Mechanic pro copy at Best Buy, I am up to date, do I have the latest version?

Now they just send emails with no action what so ever! I jsut wanted to know, because I buy my copy of system mechanic pro, from a retailer, does the updates make it the latest version, my system mechanic pro program goes unresponsive from time to time.

that's my only problem, iolo hasn't followed up or express any concern for my issue, I just got a system generated response! I am also not liking that they appear to not even have an email contact! just a phone number, well, I am not calling it because it not a toll free number!

I am not liking the lack of support I get from my concern! just get a system geernated email!iiit s

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User's recommendation: it seems they do not care about my issue, not to sure if I'll keep buying this program! I am definately not subscribing them when my program comes up for renewal, I'll keep buying this program from a retailer

Victor D Zzb

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Verified Reviewer

You are either incredibly incompetent or thieves. There is no third alternative.

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Iolo Technologies - You are either incredibly incompetent or thieves. There is no third alternative.

I received notice that I was going to be billed 19.95 for System Mechanic. I have not used that product in about a year because it sucks.

I chatted with your representative and told him to cancel. He acknowledged I wanted to cancel. Before we offically ended our chat I lost the connection. However I had already told him that I wanted to cancel.

Today I was billed $19.95. I attempted another chat and all I got was a thank you for being an Iolo custoimer and there is nothing he can do for me.

So I have no choice but to dispute the charge and smear your reputation all over the Internet. You are not going to get away with this.Stay aw

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Loss:
$20
Cons:
  • Products stink and their support is awful

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: Stay away!!!!!

George C Cey

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Verified Reviewer

Overall it is a great system...

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System mechanic works exactly as described. It is a great system support tool that works effectively. I have it running in on my laptop. It keeps my laptop running faster and keeps the system clutter away. Overall it is a great system maintenance program.
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Pros:
  • Keeps pc clean and removes junk files
  • Ease of use

Preferred solution: Price reduction

User's recommendation: Great program and maintenance program...

Anonymous
map-marker Lincoln, Nebraska

So people will know about the company

I would suggest you stay away from iolo! They have been a company from *** They don't do what they say, I contacted them right after I subscribed because when you place an order for something, they flash all these other products at you and by the time you're done, they are sucking your money out for other items you didn't even know you had.

I contacted them two or three times to take the $19.95 off for technical support, and they said they would. They never did, so I cancelled my payments. With Driver Booster, they are saying I need to renew, and I only have it for 45 days.

I try to put my code in, they say, wrong code. Please be smarter than I and STAY AWAY!

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User's recommendation: DON'T SUBSSCRIBE!

David J Wmo

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Verified Reviewer

Would definitely recommend!

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My computer was not working properly. The tech took the necessary time and fixed the problem efficiently. The tech was very professional and knowledgeable. His services were commendable. Would definitely recommend
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Preferred solution: Deliver product or service ordered

User's recommendation: amazing services

Matthew J Kuh

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Verified Reviewer

Recommended!

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I am a long-standing customer an I very had nay complaint with their performance. They have helped me out whenever I had any problem with my device. Works promptly and effectively. Recommended
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Preferred solution: Deliver product or service ordered

User's recommendation: totally recommended

William A Ynv

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Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Whitehaven, Cumbria

Help phone numbers do not work

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Help Phone always numbers unavailable or not recognized have tried all the phone numbers given for customer help but nothing happens
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User's recommendation: great program but help when needed unavailable when you phone

Terry S Exv

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Verified Reviewer

Kept my PC safe from harmful viruses!

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I have been using this product for a longer period of time and I never felt any problem or it never disappointed me in any regard. It has always performed efficiently. It kept my PC safe from harmful viruses and cleaned of junk.
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Pros:
  • Keeps pc clean and removes junk files

Preferred solution: Price reduction

User's recommendation: It kept my PC safe from harmful viruses and cleaned of junk.

Eric W Bnu

Totally recommeneded

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The techs did an awesome job and kept my computer protected from harmful and dangerous viruses... recommended
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Preferred solution: Deliver product or service ordered

User's recommendation: Amazing antivirus software

Charles C Vzw

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Verified Reviewer

I tried this software, it showed great improvement in my computer.

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My older PC was not working properly but I did not want to replace it. So, I tried multiple anti-virus software. Then I tried this software, it showed great improvement in my computer. It helped me make my computer work properly
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Preferred solution: Deliver product or service ordered

User's recommendation: the best anti virus i have ever found.

Roger T Tdy

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Verified Reviewer

Quality service!!!

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This program can be an all in one solution for our various digital demands. I could not find any fault in this software. It is highly capable of delivering quality service. Recommended
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Pros:
  • Great product all around solution i found

Preferred solution: Price reduction

User's recommendation: This program can be an all in one solution for our various digital demands. I could not find any fault in this software. It is highly capable of delivering quality service. Recommended

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