Scam Type
Online Purchase Scam
Date Reported
Sep 18, 2022
Victim Postal Code
96080
Total Dollars Lost
161
Scam Description
Restoro was recommended to fix a Windows 11 issue. I downloaded the app, paid for Premium Plan & followed web instructions to call for activating the app. I spoke to a man, A., who began asking me questions about how I use my computer. He asked to get on my computer, using Rescue Me. While on my computer, he showed me a screen indicating what he found. He told me my computer has viruses lurking in the background, numerous Trojans, running slow, files not found, IP address is leaking to the public for anyone to see (that I have no protection), it is damaged or infected. He began marketing to me a list of services first asking for $499.00/3 years services. After declining he quoted other plans. He offered me the Gold Plan for the price of the Silver Plan since I am a senior in the sum of $299.99. He asked for $199.99. Then he pitched to me a Bronze Plan for 24/7 support, a one-time clean-up, 1 full repair which would take three hours for $120.00. A tech, J., came on and for less than an hour he was on my computer. {A. repeatedly informed me there is a 60 day money back guarantee). I was watching my computer as J. was on it. I watched the Adware program he used process and I noticed that it indicated zero viruses found! There were no issues on my computer as described to me by A. Before J. ended his chat with me, he too asked me for more money. If I would pay another $99.00. I declined. I am out of $161.25. The Restoro app does not perform as described and I cancelled it, requesting a refund. Further, I realized I was scammed by A., and I cancelled the Bronze Plan and requested a full refund of the $120.00. Based on the 60 day money back guarantee, the company should not delay with the refund. But they are delaying. R. of customer service left a voice mail asking me to return her call. I reviewed her email which indicated their refund policy requires a phone call for security purposes. I reminded the company they verified my secure email already. And, when one calls their number for Cust. Svc., it goes to voice mail. I am demanding from them the full $161.25 refund. They are disputing the $120.00 fee indicating I received a service and confirmed with the tech that it helped. I was lied to and since this is fraud, Restoro needs to return all of my money. I noticed that Restoro staff use a script when they communicate. R. says on her voicemails, “I called to discuss your account but I was routed to your voicemail.” Both times that is exactly what she says. Further, I began to research if others had this problem with them. Yes, there are comments on the internet about how when they call to activate their account, they are given the same sales pitch I was, and I noticed the same questions are asked: How do you use your computer? Are you on social media? What about your emails? They are looking for answers so they can say the computer is infected. Others were savvy by declining. I thought Restoro was credible, felt quite scared that my computer was ruined, and that it needed help. Based on the recommendation to use Restoro, I thought it wise to proceed. I was wrong. I recognized the scam when the tech J. was doing the one time clean up. Nothing was found. No issues. His time limited, under an hour (A. said it would take three). I am an elder too. I am unsure if I lost personally identifiable information. They have email and a phone number to contact. Their website says they have a mailing address based in the UK. I hope you can assist with helping me recover my lost funds of $161.25. Thank you.
