Still working on my new site, but I got a lot done in the last 2 weeks. Course, I now have carpal tunnel in my thumb, but I think I’ll live.

Trend Micro. Most folks who have a computer most likely have some familiarity with that name. They make an anti-virus program for those who are unfamiliar. It came with my new computer last year, and it seemed to work just fine, so I renewed it last February. Well, I began running into all kinds of issues and conflicts after a while, so it did not take too long to realize this new, updated version of the Trend Micro anti-virus was causing problems.
I dumped it. Uninstalled the damn thing and never looked back. I was going to contact them and ask for my money back, but I figured it would end up being a hell of a fight, and in the end, I most likely would not get it back. Never gave it a thought after that, I’m a very happy Avast user. I have not had any conflicts or any other issues since.

Yesterday, I received an email notice that Trend micro had just billed my CC for $62.95 for my subscription renewal. I sat there for about 30 seconds with that WTF look on my face. I did not at any point and time EVER authorize them to renew jack shit! Let alone their crappy program that I had not used in nearly a year!
I was on the phone within 5 minutes, and let me tell you, they make it very difficult to actually speak to a real person in customer service. But I got one, poor soul, and ripped them a new one. I made it crystal damn clear that I NEVER authorized them to charge me for any renewals. I said I want my money back, ASAP! And I made sure she understood I would take legal action if my refund was delayed, and if this ever happened again. I made that all very clear. Today I received an email which contained a link I had to follow and agree to remove the software from my computer BEFORE they even begin to process my refund. It’s obviously, a stall tactic on their part. What a load of crap!
There was an option to sign up for auto renewal when I purchased the subscription, but I declined that option. Clearly, it doesn’t matter if you decline or not, they are going to bill you no matter what.

Lesson learned. I will never, ever deal with Trend Micro again. If my next new computer comes with Trend Micro, the first thing I do will be to download Avast and uninstall Trend Micro.

Posted on March 1st, 2012 by Mel
Filed under: Computer stuff