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Forum Discussion

Javajoe's avatar
Javajoe
Follower
Feb 14, 2019

IS there such a thing as an Orbi fee or was it an attempted scam ?

I had trouble updating the firmware on the sattelite unit and the main unit 

updated fine.   Anyway, needing assistance.

So i looked up the netgear number through a google search.

I got a call center with an international flare.    Anyway, the woman

told me i needed to pay an annual fee, or 3 year or 5.    When i squalked

because it sounded fishy, she asked if i was a senior citizen which i 

qualified for.  She said the senior rate was for lifetime only and it was like

150 which was greatly discounted.     Anyway, i still smelled a giant RAT

and told her no thank you and hung up.   Is this a total scam ?  I never

heard of a reputable company charging a fee just because.  And in all

the reviews I read, there was NO mention of anything like this.  Please 

advise !!

Troubleshooting

7 Replies

  • CrimpOn's avatar
    CrimpOn
    Guru - Experienced User
    Feb 14, 2019

    Correct.  Somebody was trying to scam you.

     

    This community forum has very capable people who want to help you (at no cost).  Which model of Orbi and which version of firmware is currently on your base unit and satellite?

  • michaelkenward's avatar
    michaelkenward
    Guru - Experienced User
    Feb 14, 2019
    Javajoe wrote:

    I had trouble updating the firmware on the sattelite unit and the main unit 

    updated fine.   Anyway, needing assistance.

    So i looked up the netgear number through a google search.

     

    If you called a number that you found  with a web search, that almost certainly had nothing to do with Netgear.

     

    Netgear itself does not provide paid for support. It farms that out to GearHead Technical Support.

     

    GearHead Support

     

    Web searches deliver that screen "Netgear support" at the top but that turn out to be anything but. Using them can be dangerous, for your network and your bank balance.

    • Chuck_M's avatar
      Chuck_M
      Mentor
      Feb 14, 2019

      For a fee we will answer this question!!! LOL

       

      Good catch on your part NOT falling for it.  There must be people that do else they wouldnt be there.

      • michaelkenward's avatar
        michaelkenward
        Guru - Experienced User
        Feb 14, 2019
        Chuck_M wrote:

         

        Good catch on your part NOT falling for it. 

        Unfortunately, too many people are not that smart. That's why people turn up here from time to time and throw accusations at Netgear.

         

        Chuck_M wrote:

         

        There must be people that do else they wouldnt be there.

        And the same numbers come up whichever hardware maker you plug into Google.

  • Ragar99's avatar
    Ragar99
    Luminary
    Feb 14, 2019

    Most Netgear products come with 90 days of support.  After that you pay $.