On or about October 1 I noticed that I could no longer scan documents into my PC with my Paperport 11 Professional scan program, which had worked without problems for mor than five years. Trying to fix the problem I uninstalled the program, restarted the computer and reinstalled the program. It did not work. I then tried to get support from Nuance Communications, which produces the Paperport scan programs. I tried the Customer Support department and, after being directed to another phone number, I found myself talking to a company called PC Revital, which I though was afiliated with Nuance. Their technicians, believed to the based in India, took control of my computer, and claimed that my computer was infected with trojans.
I was given to understand that, in order to have my problem fixed and have my computer optimized I will have to sign a three year computer maintenance contract with PC Revital for $500., which I (foolishly) did on line, thinking that PC Revital was associated with Nuance.in the next few days I noticed that, although I could scan again, my computer was unstable and slower than usual. I could no longer access some of my favorite websites, including my email box, from my usual internet browser Firefox. I also noticed that, without my permission, PC Revital had installed unwanted programs and space-using unwanted toolbars to my internet browsers. It took a very time-consuming effort, including the removal of their unwanted software and the purchase and use of the program System Mechanic to partly restore my computers performance. I still cannot access my email from Firefox, so I have to use another browser.
On October 9, I wrote the following to PC Revital:
I am very disappointed with you. I had only one minor complaint: a temporary inability to operate my scanner. You fixed that, bu you left my internet access in a worse shape that it was. Then my telephone company, AT&T tells me that I spent more than 6 hours taking to you on my cell phone, which is not true, and charging me nearly $180. Frankly, I feel that I have been had. I would like to suggest that we cancel our contract and that you cancel the contract fee.in exchange, and despite the damage done to my internet connections, I am willing to pay you $100. For fixing my scanner access. I think this will prevent unpleasant problems for both parties... Because the seriousness of this case and the damage done to me I prefer that henceforth all communications between us be in writing. PC Revital never replied to my message.
On November 3 I received my business (MetriLight) credit card statement from Bank of America, including a charge for $500. Due to one Graeme Cohen. There had been no prior mention of this individual in any communication between PC Revital and myself. I googled PC Revital and found that on October 21, after my 10-9 complaint to PC Revital, someone identified with the initials thr filed a report with the website usacomplaints.com claiming to have been the victim of a ripoff by PC Revital and Graeme Cohen. There are striking similarities between some allegations of that report and my experience. Thr found he could no longer scan from his scanner (a Lexmark model) into his computer, so he (she) called a phone number he found on a Lexmark site, thinking (like myself) it was affiliated with the scanner company. He (she) was made to pay for a service that PC Revital did not provide, and his computer was left just not the same as it was before it was handled by PC Revital.
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