I purchased McAfee Spyware and Symantec Systems Works recently and filled out all neccessary forms, cut-out UPC/Proof of purchase tabs, included all in my mail submission and followed the rules exactly for both rebates. I even made copies of all due to the reputations of intentional rebate obstacles offered by OfficeMax, Symantec/McAfee, as well as many other software manufacturers.
NOT to my surprise, I recieved post-cards denying my rebates for both... Each stated a diifferent reason that was absolutely wrong... (i.E. Missing UPC and missing proof of previous purchase)
More importantly, I noticed that both post-cards were identical in size, look, lay-out, verbage and permit #. So I called and explained to both that this is a blatent attempt at fraud and they would be reported... The representative for each informed me that both would approve the rebate and send my check in 4-6 weeks... I expressed to the Symantec rep that I was disappointed that a well liked company would stoop to such levels and he agreed. He said, this happens all the time. I asked if Symantec was responsible and he said all rebates for McAfee & Symantec were processed by Parago, Inc.
I then decided to look-up "Rebate, Fraud, McAfee, Symantec" keywords on a search and again NOT to my suprise, there were many forums, with many of Parago's customers with the same problem dating back to 2002.
I then visited the Parago website (parago.com). Dubious at best, I noticed that many areas of the website were designed to field and address rebate and legal issues. Now I see that Parago is very aware of this problem and chooses to use disclaimers and legal loopholes to continue their Bad Business tecniques. I still feel this is "Federal Mail Fraud". I thought it was comical to read there Focus and Committment to their Clients (Symantec, McAfee, etc...) were about how to Retain Customers and Enhance Customer experiences...
I have learned my lesson about rebate scams and I hope that MCAfee & Symantec will halt relations with this company as I would like to keep my view of these companies in a positive light...
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