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Forum Discussion
mlefmann
Jul 19, 2019Follower
softtree scam
I just spent 45 minutes with a "tech" person trying to set up my extender as I have a new U-verse network. This person was IN my computer. I followed a netgear.com link. He goes through all these com...
Christian_R
Jul 22, 2019NETGEAR Employee Retired
Hello mlefmann and DianeB13,
Thank you both for posting. We can confirm that Soft Tree is not an authorized NETGEAR support channel. I would like to work with the both of you directly on any issue(s) you maybe encountering with your device. When you get a chance, feel free to send me a message regarding the issue(s) you're experiencing.
Furthermore, to ensure you are getting in contact with our Support Team, please use the link below. You will have the option to register your device(s) and open a support ticket.
https://www.netgear.com/support/default.aspx
Respectfully,
Christian
- ChernonSep 23, 2019Initiate
Technical Support - I was also scammed. On September 13, 2019, I called the number for NetGear Technical Support from the website and was connected to Rashmi, a Technical Support person. Convinced that it was through NetGear, I gave her access to my laptop computer.
After 2 1/2 hours, I (foolishly) agreed to purchasing a 3 year contract for tech support through Softtree Inc. Later, I called back and the first time the recording said there was no one there to answer my call. Called back later and a male said there was NO such person there. We contacted our "computer guy" who came over and removed all the spyware that SHE had installed on our computer. (paying him for HIS time), Also changed all of our passwords. We contacted our bank to remove this fraud charge - still in the process- and cancel the credit card that was used for the transaction.
This is SO upsetting. Money and time have been lost, as well as my trust in anyone on the computer.
Now I see posts stating that NetGear is NOT responsible? I called NetGear Help at 1-888-927-4505 and received a phone call back from 1-323-433-9898. I don't know where the problem is, but I believe that NetGear should look into this as many people are experiencing the same scam/fraud.
- blckbltOct 21, 2019Aspirant
what number did you call for Netgear support and where on the website did you find it?
- schumakuOct 21, 2019Guru - Experienced User
Chernon wrote:I called NetGear Help at 1-888-927-yyyy and received a phone call back from 1-323-433-xxxx. I don't know where the problem is, but I believe that NetGear should look into this as many people are experiencing the same scam/fraud.
Again: No, you have not called Netgear. Do not use search engines to lookup"support" numbers for any kind of major hardware or systems provider. The same or similar worldwide active scammers have set-up large amounts of similar looking or sounding Web pages, Facebook accounts, Twitter, or Instagram accounts.
I agree in one point: Netgear should be slightly more pro-active locating spam and scam (faux phone numbers, faux Web pages and URLs, on their own sites, e.g. the community forum here.
- SerenaWilliamDec 02, 2019Aspirant
I had problems setting up my router where internet was unable to get started. After spending hours to fix problem on my own, which I was doing by following the guidelines by kb.netgear...I thought of calling support number. Netgear official support number was not reachable. But other websites which came to get me some troubleshooting, I tried one toll free number where I got connected instantly. It was softtree company. The support staff was very helpful. Though they charged me some money but fixed my problem in quick few minutes only. They also cleaned my PC for junk files and disturbing ADs etc, which made my PC run faster than before. I think paying a little amount of money for what people are helping us is genuine and we should pay for work done by someone who is indirectly saving our precious time. Softtree has promised me that I can call them again for support. Infact they are very professional and have even disclaimed on their website that they are third party independent support provider. This company is helping Netgear customers in setting up their products otherwise buyers will never buy their products if they struggle to configure routers like I did. Thank you softtree!
- LisaAkinJan 30, 2020Aspirant
I think I may have just been a victim of the Soft Tree scam....I tried to set up the extender and it wouldn't work...I followed the links and someone did get it set up and put the Genie software on my computer. I paid for it. Please let me know if I have made a huge mistake and if our network is comprimised.
- Alse12Mar 26, 2020AspirantMe too.
I granted them remote access.
They connect through the website leaflet that comes with the Netgear bought from amazon.
I didn’t pay anything but worried they have installed a spyware.
How do I find out?- MoniQ06Jan 28, 2021Guide
I found after all said and done and I saw the charge and I did my research. I didn't buy from
Amazon, I bought directly from Best Buy in town. There should be a class action lawsuit in my opinion because of the fraudulent mess with Netgear.
- sandyjtJan 21, 2021Aspirant
I just fell for the same scam! I replaced my router and couldn't get my extender to work. Went to Mynetgear and was looking for a solution. Chat window popped up and I began speaking with the person, they said someone would call me and walk me through it. They got the extender working, but it cost me $199 and they had remote access to my computer for over a half hour. What do I do now?