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The good, the bad, and the ugly - discover what customers are saying about Software-HQ

Welcome to our customer reviews and complaints page for Software-HQ. We understand that making informed decisions about where to invest your time and money can be challenging, which is why we've created this platform for our community to share their honest feedback about their experiences with Software-HQ.

On this page, you'll find a comprehensive collection of reviews and complaints from real customers who have used Software-HQ's products or services. Our reviews are authentic and unbiased, providing you with a complete picture of the company, its products or services, and their customer service.

Whether you're considering doing business with Software-HQ, or you've already had an experience with them, our community's reviews and complaints will give you a valuable perspective on what to expect. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about where to invest your time and money, and we hope that our platform will be a valuable resource for you.

Please feel free to browse our reviews and complaints and share your own experience with Software-HQ. Your feedback is an important part of our community and will help others make informed decisions.

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9:08 pm EST
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Software-HQ No product from puchase

I attempted to purchase a one year contract from Avast for $39.95. However, I was informed that I instead had purchased a software package from a company called "Software-HQ " for $52.92.

Several calls to the company on the number posted at the website resulted in extremely rude responses (I assume that is by design), such as comments that reports to the BetterBusiness Bureau have no effect; they would not give names or any information regarding their company as that is none of my business, etc. I was told that I did not have phone access to there site and to I quote " You better stop calling this number" what a B---- . After being told that I was wasting their time, I would be hung up on. Does anyone have any ideas or am I just out this money?

My assumption is that the company places a virus on the Avast website, and information is subsequently forwarded to the "Software-HQ" hackers and my information is withdrawn.

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E. Lamar Rogers
, US
Feb 28, 2011 5:37 pm EST

I had the same experience with the company, they intercept legitmate sales and susbstitute their own product. In my case, it appeared to be a routine download for $37.95 and an offer of an extended license for $14.95. I declined the extended license, but they still charged me a total of $55.83. I filed a dispute with my bank and reported them to the State Attorney General for fraud. The company does not identify themselves until the sale is processed, they then tell you who they are. I contact AVAST and was informed that their only ecommerence partner is "element5."

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6:24 pm EST
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Software-HQ Misleading

I too became a victim of unethical advertising. I thought my purchase was for Adobe software downloads and support through ADOBE. Sadly, this is was not the case. When I tried to access the link provided by Software-HQ, my computer virus program blocked the site. I goggled Software-HQ; consequently, I discovered this site and the various complaints against Software-HQ.
Promptly, I emailed the company asking them to cancel my subscription and deleting the amount from my credit card.
Hopefully, Software-HQ can be disciplined for falsely misleading one to believe that the purchase is for and from adobe, but billed to the following company: software-HQ.
What a fraud and scam.
Please ensure that folks in the future will not be "had" by this company.
With regards,
Tammy G Lagoski

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S.WAS.RIPPED OFF
, AU
Apr 20, 2011 12:25 am EDT

First of all the advert was for FREE full internet security -- this did not happen i was asked to pay (for standerd FREE version, i found out later) had no choice as i had already downloaded the "software", it was not pricey $49 for 2yrs... as opposed to norton $80 per yr.
You cannot see the amount in total that is debit from ur card-- i ended up paying $70 as the clever little checkbox was tick to add an accelorator for the "downloads" AVALIABLE... they were only avalible with intital entry to site.. after i could not access.
They lied about a promotion that allowed you to get microsoft office suite for free (this was one of the reason i handed over my credit card details) --- when i tried to download it the estimated time was 79 hours! n the entire computer suddenly went really slow.
After restarting im happy to say AVAST was working.
I AM UNHAPPY... I WANT A REFUND.. WHO CAN I CALL AND WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THIS FAKE RIP OFF?

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7:32 pm EDT
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Software-HQ Redirection of Purchase

I attempted to purchase a three-year contract from Adobe for $29.95. However, I was informed that I instead had purchased a software package from a company called "Software-HQ " for $70.80.

Several calls to the company on the number posted at the website resulted in extremely rude responses (I assume that is by design), such as comments that reports to the BetterBusiness Bureau have no effect; they would not give names or any information regarding their company as that is none of my business, etc. I was told that I did indeed purchase the software from them, which was an outright lie. After being told that I was wasting their time, I would be hung up on.

My assumption is that the company places a virus on the Adobe website, and information is subsequently forwarded to the "Software-HQ" hackers and my information is withdrawn.

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oriolejoey
Topeka, US
Jan 27, 2009 11:48 am EST

My complaint is exactly the same as all the others. There product is terrible and they overcharged me. I called the number for billing questions and the unfriendly little tramps who answered the phones said they don't answer billing questions. Since I didn't order the product by phone they can't help me and told me to email them. I did email them and never got a response. There should be something done about this type of scam.

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christine
Killeen, US
May 25, 2009 3:39 pm EDT

I hate to be added to the long list of those scammed by SoftwareHQ...but I'm on it. I was searching for photo editing software, which I was willing to pay for, when the SoftwareHq site came up offerring hundreds of downloads for a small membership fee. It offerred 3 years of membership for $12.65 with 'Download Accelerator' and 'Protection' for FREE. I charged the $12.65 to my VISA card. I was never able to download the Adobe software I wanted, but decided I was only out $12.00 so it wasn't too big of a loss for a lesson learned. Wrong! I checked my credit card account online a couple of weeks later and found $70.80 charged by SoftwareHq. I emailed them and got an itemization of charges that were NOT disclosed on the order page. I am disputing the charge with my credit card company.

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kjrn
Cupar, GB
Feb 15, 2010 7:25 am EST

I was done as well in exactly the same way as all the others.

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ceaserskoyo
Epping, US
Jan 15, 2010 6:59 am EST

I purchased a program from avast (this is in question) and installed the program. My confirmation notice of billing and Email address was copied by me. Problem is if I try to get back to the web cite, or the members logon page I am blocked? any answers.

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7:31 pm EDT
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Software-HQ Unauthorized Credit Card Charge

On July 20th, 2009 my VISA credit card was charged 52.92 without my approval and authorization for a product I never recieved. When I contacted the the company rep (very rude), they said I purchased Photoshop Software Support on July 17th, 2009. I did not make this order nor do I have photoshop on my computer. I have not received any e-mail stating I purchased this service. I am being scammed.

I believe they are using adobe downloads to access through pop ups to scam their victims.

I have dispusted the charge with my bank, plus reported this to BBB and ic3.gov.

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Tiara Garduno
Johnston, US
Aug 21, 2009 8:34 pm EDT

i have been scammed by the same company. i wanted a trial version of adobe photoshop for 14.95. they charged me 54.95 for the program that i did not authorize. is there a number i can call for my refund?

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2:13 pm EDT
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Software-HQ Gross overbilling

I was browsing the internet looking for a better dvd-player with movie making features than the one i have. I found a link to a Nero sight, which is a highly recommended product. However, the site that I was sent to was Software-Hq. Software-Hq is a money stealing scam!
My Nero works fine, however, Software-Hq made all implications on their site that they were a means that Nero used to bill it's clients. I was lead to believe that my bill for Nero would be $19.95 for one years service. This did not sound bad at all to me, so I authorized a payment of $19.95. However, a few days later when checking my online bank statement, Software-Hq debited $52.80 from my checking account. I have since sent an e-mail demanding a refund and that any so called "services" they claim to provide be cancelled immediately. Since their sight claims that all refundes are handled via e-mail, which is ridiculous on any level.
I am giving them 24 hours to respond to my e-mail and refund my money or I will proceed to take this to my bank and any authorities necessary. Even if i don't get my money back in the end, this company should be stopped before they steal from anyone else.
I did not at any point authroize payment in the amount of $52.80 and I am livid that it has been taken from me under false pretenses.
Software-Hq gives a 7 day window for refunds, however, when an item is purchased on monday and does not go to the bank until 4 to 5 days later then your 7 days of use is nearly up before you notice anything is amiss. They DO NOT send e-mail or regular mail reciepts for purchase, which should have told me something to begin with; but when you only authorize $19.95, you certainly don't expect to be out $52.80!
With the economy the way it is now, people can not afford to have these kinds of scam artisits ripping off everyone that tries to make their lives a bit more enjoyable with an other wise could system, like Nero. As an average american I can not afford this much of a discrepency in my checking account and now have to figure a way around it because of thieves like Software-Hq

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Fred Voss
, US
Sep 28, 2010 9:55 am EDT

I went to a website referred by a friend for antivirus protection. Instead, I was switched to Software-HQ. I thought I was paying a $12.65 fee for a year's service. Checking my banking statement the next morning, I found my debit card had been charged $70.80. I called and a very nasty female informed me she couldn't cancel it, but there is a refund link on the website. I haven't found it yet. This bunch of thieves needs to be incvestigated.

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Pamela Coleman
Hudsonville, US
Nov 18, 2009 1:11 pm EST

This same thing happened to me! The site led me to believe I was renewing my Norton Antivirus software. After authorizing the $19.95 and giving my credit card, I received no confirmation number orID number to enter into Norton. Then I was billed for $52.80 which I DID NOT AUTHORIZE! This company is a fraud!

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2:43 pm EST
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Software-HQ Over charged

A rip off company for sure. This was just a link to another free trial web site. Don't put in your card number.
I was searching the Internet for a Adobe reader/edit program when came across a $12.00 program that would allow me to open, edit, save and print Adobe PDF files. I entered my card and was charged $34.00. At no time did it give me an invoice of purchase or a way of altering the charges prior to charging my card. When I contacted the company on their support number, I was treated very rude and they hung up on me. Requesting a refund is a waste of time. Once they have your card they do not care about you.

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7:26 am EST
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Software-HQ Scam and cheating

With my young grandchildren on the phone asking why we were not on their computer, I was attempting to reload SKYPE (which had disappeared after an OS upgrade). The first response to my Google search promised to download the software, mentioning features such as video links. As I proceeded, I was puzzled by the request for Credit Card info, but assumed it was because I'd already had a year's free use of Skype. Upon completion of this procedure, there appeared to be no link to Skype. When I backed out of the site, I realized that I had been scammed. There was no summary of the transaction, no opportunity to review and no receipt for my purchase. After successfully downloading Skype from their FREE site and video-talking with the grandkids, I called VISA to attempt to cancel the charge. They told me I had to wait until Monday morning to file a dispute, which I have done. It is apparent that Software-hq does little more that intercept queries and offer products which are available for free elsewhere.

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Michael
, US
Dec 30, 2008 6:20 am EST

With my young grandchildren on the phone asking why we were not on their computer, I was attempting to reload SKYPE (which had disappeared after an OS upgrade). The first response to my Google search promised to download the software, mentioning features such as video links. As I proceeded, I was puzzled by the request for Credit Card info, but assumed it was because I'd already had a year's free use of Skype. Upon completion of this procedure, there appeared to be no link to Skype. When I backed out of the site, I realized that I had been scammed. There was no summary of the transaction, no opportunity to review and no receipt for my purchase. After successfully downloading Skype from their FREE site and video-talking with the grandkids, I called VISA to attempt to cancel the charge. They told me I had to wait until Monday morning to file a dispute, which I have done. It is apparent that Software-hq does little more that intercept queries and offer products which are available for free elsewhere.

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10:53 am EST
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Software-HQ Unauthorized billing

On 10/30/08 I was signing up for skype when all of a sudden software-hq appears on my screen as part of Skype. I signed up- for what I thought was Skype for $19.95. I gave them y credit card numbers it said that my bill would say Software-Hq and not skype. When I received the total it was 34.92 and not $19.95. I called them and spoke to Vanessa who was rude and told me I could not retract my charge or receive a credit on my charge card. I called my credit card and they have to wait until they try to collect and dispute the charges. I feel like I was robbed and have lost faith in using my credit card on line. I will have to cancel this card for I do not trust this company and am in fear that they abuse my credit card.

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william Hal Goldman
Bartlett, US
Nov 10, 2010 8:38 pm EST

I am william hal goldman, my norton security was to end today 11/10/10, novenber 10. I had decided to use a different security service. I have aquired a different sevice this morning.I was checking my bank service and see where norton or software has hit my charge card for 70.80 I don, t understaND HOW YOU CAN DO THIS BECAUSE i HAVE NOT GIVEN AUTHORITY FOR THIS AND IT DID, T EVEN EXPIRE UNTIL TO DAY.i WILL Appreciate youcancelling this mistake..my home phone # is [protected]..I tried to caLL youby phone this morning, no one answered, , Hal Goldman please RESPOND..

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11:23 am EST

Software-HQ false Advertisment

I did an internet search for Adobe reader for me to install. Because they use Adobe in their sub-internet address I was under the impression that it was a one time fee from Adobe. It turns out that it was not!
I called the following Monday to discuss the misunderstanding; I was greeted by an uninterested, rude and incompetent individual who refused to listen to my reasoning and refused to let me speak to her manger. She would not discuss what services I had been charged for nor would she comment on if I would be re-billed (Next year and there after)
She completed the phone-call by hanging up on me. I subsequently emailed the customer service department asking if they condone such poor customer service. They followed up by providing further incorrect information.
See attached response:

Dear Customer,

We reviewed your call and it was not just as you had explained it. First, the representative did express to you what the charge was for, your email stated she didn't. Secondly, she repeatedly told you that you'd need to contact support online for any questions you had regarding your purchase. We apologize if you had an issue, but your account does not include phone support.

As stated on our website, membership fees are non-refundable. You are able to access the benefits available through your membership for the length of the service you selected. Once your membership expires, the service will discontinue. You will not be re-billed. To view our complete refund policy, visit our site at https://www.xtremetransactions.com/refund.html

Thanks,
Software-HQ Support

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bankylt
, US
Sep 24, 2009 1:59 pm EDT

I have also been scammed by Software-HQ. I see that this was posted almost a year ago. Can you give an update of what followed? Did you file a lawsuit?

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Joe McKimmey
,
Nov 18, 2008 2:09 pm EST

Software-HQ seeks to sell trial copies of sofware that you can get for free from the manuafacturer.

They charge a hefty price for this service, and you won't even know you've been charged.

I found the site by gooling Corel Paint Shop.

Thoudht I was ordereing Paint Shop, but instead got a free tiral which I could have gotten at Corel for free; - a 3 year membership in Software, -HQ for $37.85 which apparently buys 3 extra years of a chance to spend money withe them; t; $17.88 for a download accelerator, whatever that is; and download protection for $14.97.00

These charges were never shown on the screen and the only way I got this itemization is by requesting for software-hq.net.

Am working on a class action lawsuit in Federal Court against this entty and possible RICO litigation. Need the actual name of the company, and its saddress.

Any such information would be appreciated.

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10:18 am EDT
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Software-HQ Fraud and scam

My father was trying to download Adobe Reader. This company comes up as an Adobe website. They are only a software support company so when you download Adobe (free software) they charge you $70 for there support and membership. My father is 84 years old and on a fixed income. He is active on his computer but did not understand he would get charged $70. He thought he was going to get a nominal charge $1.49 a month for a year. When he mentioned to me I looked at what at happened and requested a refund explaining he did not mean to join and was not going to use them for support. I also told them he was 84 and on a fixed income.

They would not refund him because they state only a two week refund. I looked them up and called the company. They refused to discuss a refund because he was outside of the two weeks. I requested to talk to someone higher which they refused. They would not let me talk to a supervisor.

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Atlantaman30080
, US
Jul 23, 2010 11:30 am EDT

Just got scammed like other vicitims. Software-HQ's site was where I was directed to downloand Adobe Acrobat pro, directly from Google search. Was quoted $35 for 3 years of Adobe with service, was billed $70. Contacted very rude person in billing department who stated that pre-selected upgrades and features were checked by them unbeknownst to me as a consumer. Was SHOCKED to find a $70 charge which put me in NSF over my account balance. Billing Dept. rep referred me back to their website for review charges, only one problem, can't find them once you've registered.

I DO NOT RECOMMEND YOU DO BUSINESS WITH THIS FIRM FOR ANY SOFTWARE PURCHASES. This firm, and all the complaints should be investigated by FOX5 in Atlanta as well as the FTC and Clark Howard.

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Porter
, US
Mar 16, 2009 8:34 am EDT

I too was trying to download from the Adobe site. Software-HQ evidently was a pop up trying to imitate a sale for Adobe. I was consequently charged $70.80 to my credit card for items I did not order. I have notified my credit card company that I deny this charge and they are investigating. I was able to get free the Adobe program I had been seeking. This company should be stopped!

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Mickthemick
, CA
Oct 08, 2010 5:26 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I was trying to download quicktime when theis site came up. I Assumed(?) that it was the source of my request. I paid the 52.00 thru my credit card. When I tried to access the site my internet system would not show the site. I'm out the money and can't contact them
What can I do?

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Andy
Poughkeepsie, US
Mar 13, 2009 5:11 pm EDT

I thought I was buying an adobe acrobat download for 16.95 on feb. 13 and was surprised to find a charge of 70.80 on my credit card bill on feb.28. I found out to late about being overcharged to cancel my membership that I did not even order, that must be canceled within 7 days

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Emma
, US
Feb 05, 2009 11:53 am EST

Searched Photoshop and Software-HQ popped up with claims of free downloads for $12.95 a year. I decided to try it and off course like everyone else was charged $52.93. I decided to involve my credit card company and it is now in dispute. Also decided to close my card as they requested the security code. Wish I had known about complaintsboard before. Will be alerting friends and family of this wonderful site.

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Nicole
, US
Feb 20, 2009 8:29 am EST

I suffered the same scam as others have reported here. Fortunately, i paid using American Express. I called them immediately. The charge already went through and apparently there is nothing i can do for 24 hours without a merchant authorization, but they will be calling me back and assured me we will get it taken care of.

I don't know if it will help, but if we all report to our credit card companies, will they begin to recognize the fraudulence of this charge and ultimately can they do anything to prevent or refuse or reimburse the charge?

Something needs to be done. It's not even about getting my money back. I can't believe they can get away with this. If Skype (who i have loved using in the past) is NOT in on this, it is a terrible travesty to them because now i don't want to go anywhere near their downloads! I put Skype in the name of the company although it may not be them, but that may be the only way for people to find this warning as i never had any intention of downloading from Software-HQ.

Props to Amex. I was so grateful i used this card to pay as they have THE BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE!

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Disgusted person who honestly earns a li
Wilmington, US
Jul 08, 2012 6:56 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

BIG ###!
PLEASE DO NOT GIVE THIS LOSER A CENT. Did you hear he has his young daughter's college education funded with your money? I can't wait to hear her tell her friends what her father does for a living. ... S C U M. b A G !0

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bobd22
Lawrence, US
Dec 06, 2011 8:16 pm EST

i lost 70.80 to this comparty were can i get information i call they keep hanging up on me

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bmwhite
Dundee, GB
Nov 08, 2011 12:24 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have just paid about $54 when I tried to download skype for free. Feel such an idiot is there anyway i can a refund from software hq.
Mr Bruce White

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porkered
Montreal, CA
Oct 01, 2011 11:29 pm EDT

I hope these people get hanged for their evil doings. I was just scammed this morning for them pretending to be AVG. Felt very very very stupid. I hope that they won't misuse my credit card information.

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