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CyberDefender

CyberDefender review: scam 22

G
Author of the review
8:23 pm EDT
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I had the same problem as the other complaint here. DO NOT DOWNLOAD! Once you download it and run the scan, you have to pay for it before it will remove the threats. When I used control panel to uninstall, I got a dialog box asking me why I want to uninstall. One of the checkboxes was "I wanted it for FREE" so I tried that just to see what happened. The rest was a bunch of BS and it took time to finally get the whole thing off of my computer (I hope/think). It's a scam that locks you into a lot of time to get rid of.

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The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer's satisfaction.

22 comments
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traveler818
borrego springs, US
Mar 04, 2009 12:20 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

How did you get rid of the program? They left one that I know of on my system. I let my computer work for 3 hours at unistalling it. Then the Cyberdefender Wizard uninstalled it. A few days later they put that program and a toolbar on my machine without my authorization. When I now click uninstall, the Cyberdefender appears immediately and uninstalls the programs, and guess what, they're still there. This has been a daily ritual for over 2 weeks. If you can help me get this spyware off my system, please email me at metta.hansen@gmail.com. Note cyberdefender removal--complaints in your first line and the subject line. I would be most grateful.

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Frank
US
Apr 16, 2009 2:31 pm EDT

Cyberdefender is a ripoff! I installed them and to call them 6 times! They take control of your computer! That is okay but there are too many problems that keep poopping up. I am tired of being on the phone for hours on end.I am trying to get my money back( $225.00 for 1 yr for 3 computers) they refused! They said I filled out a problem solved, but, there are more problems now ! I could go on and on I will stop right here! Stay away from Them!

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Naomi Castaneda
Socorro, US
Sep 05, 2009 3:19 pm EDT

I uninstalled Cyberdefender successfully (I think). However, it has been charged to my credit card and I want the charges credited back to my card. I have a confirmation number: [protected].

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forget it I am not leaving my name
Palos Verdes Estates, US
Nov 18, 2009 11:18 pm EST

I could not deinstall it, as I couldn't even get out of the screen of cyberdefender...I could not get rid of the screen popup and it crashed my system several times. I called and the person I spoke with of my problem was a complete ###. He was amazingly rude and scarcastic and pretty much mocked me. DO NOT EVEN TRY THE FREE DOWNLOAD TRIAL AS IT IS A NIGHTMARE.

CyberDefender
CyberDefender
Los Angeles, US
Apr 22, 2010 5:05 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

All CyberDefender products can be uninstalled using your Windows Control Panel and opening Add/Remove Programs.

First, you will want to exit out of Registry Cleaner or Early Detection Center by right-clicking on the red box in the top right-hand corner, or right-clicking on the icon in your lower right-hand toolbar.

Then, simply click

Start>
Settings>
Control Panel>
Add/Remove Products

to open the menu listing all currently installed programs on your computer. Locate any CyberDefender and/or MyIdentityDefender entries from the list and click the Uninstall option to remove the software. An uninstall wizard will walk you through the complete uninstall process.

VERY IMPORTANT: Restart your computer after uninstalling to complete the process.

Alternatively, you can go to your Control Panel and open your computer's search function.

Do a search on the search term "CYBERDEFENDER"

Delete any files that come up.

VERY IMPORTANT: Restart your computer to complete the process.

If the trial or paid software still does not uninstall, you will first need to make sure the program is completely closed. If the small icon is still there in the lower right corner, you will need to exit first (right click & select EXIT).

If there is no option to uninstall when the program asks why you want to uninstall, there is an issue with your DPI (dots per inch) settings.

To change DPI settings, right click anywhere on your desktop & select

Properties>
Settings>
Advanced>
DPI setting

Your DPI settings should be on Normal, not Large. If you change it to normal, try uninstalling again. If you still don't see the uninstall option after changing your DPI setting, you may need to restart your computer for the DPI settings to take effect.

Once you’ve got the correct DPI setting in place, simply click

Start>
Settings>
Control Panel>
Add/Remove Products

to open the menu listing all currently installed programs on your computer. Locate CyberDefender and/or MyIdentityDefender entries from the list and click the Uninstall option to remove the software. An uninstall wizard will walk you through the complete uninstall process.

VERY IMPORTANT: Restart your computer after uninstalling to complete the process.

All Cyberdefender products are removable by the steps described -- I myself have installed and removed our product from any number of computers here in the office. However, if you are an Avast user this might still not work, as Avast is notably antagonistic to our program and may stop some of its scripts from running. This may be true of other antivirus software applications as well, so you may want to temporarily exit out of any other antivirus software running on your computer in order to remove our free trial.

The last resort I can suggest is to try to remove it in Safe Mode.

First, unplug your network cable.

Then turn off your computer and restart it.

Once your computer has come on, but before the Windows operating system logo appears, tap your F8 key repeatedly -- this will start your computer in Safe Mode.

Then make sure you have exited out of Early Detection Center by right-clicking on the red box in the top right-hand corner, or right-clicking on the red EDC icon in your lower right-hand toolbar.

Then, simply click

Start>
Settings>
Control Panel>
Add/Remove Products

to open the menu listing all currently installed programs on your computer. Locate CyberDefender and/or MyIdentityDefender entries from the list and click the Uninstall option to remove the software. An uninstall wizard will walk you through the complete uninstall process.

VERY IMPORTANT: Restart your computer and allow your Windows operating system to boot up normally after uninstalling to complete the process. Then re-connect your network cable, and you should be good to go.

Thank you,
CyberDefender Customer Service

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Gman also
Magnolia, US
Jul 31, 2010 3:30 pm EDT

Tried to purchase cyberdefender was overcharged so I cancelled(after all morning on phone trying to get someone to take care of the problem. DON'T purchase this product.

CyberDefender
CyberDefender
Los Angeles, US
Aug 03, 2010 2:43 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Dear Gman also,

Thank you for contacting CyberDefender's customer service.

The Cyberdefender customer service department would be happy to investigate the status of your account and adjust your order if need be, but unfortunately we cannot find your account from just the online nickname “Gman also” and need more identifying information in order to assist you.

At any time, any dissatisfied customer can contact our corporate headquarters at [protected], or email us at supportATcyberdefender.com, and please be sure to give us your full name, date of purchase, and the email address you used when you made your purchase. We will be happy to assist you.

For future reference, it would be far easier for you to obtain a refund from our company by directly contacting our company's customer service, rather than by posting a complaint on a website unaffiliated with our company.

Thank you,
CyberDefender Customer Service

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MARTY 96
Las Vegas, US
Sep 12, 2010 10:34 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I signed up for a year with cyber defender that expired on Aug 2010.yber defender took $ 299.00 out of my credit card withou consulting me for a renewal I did not want . I have called them twice in two weeks and they give you the BS they are sorry for the inconvenince and Iwould be credited the 299.00 back. I am filing a complaint this week with the Attorney Generals office here in Nevada and am consulting my Brother il Law an Attorney to see about filing a law suit against their company. I am also consulting the local FBI office to see if this qualifies as a violation of Ricco Statutes and criminal law, and finally I am going to give them some free publicity with the local TV Station channel 13, their f ng with the wrong guy.

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ikue
US
Sep 14, 2010 11:47 am EDT

I called and cancelled this program last year, but they charged me AGAIN! so I called for a complain asking them why they are charging me, they offered this 2 $25 coupon that they claim that I can use it anywhere. I was mad, but I accepted it...
2month later, I recieved this MAIL IN REBATE coupon that I can only use HOME DEPOT, TARGET, STARBUCKS, Bass Pro Shops or TOYSRUS? I do not go to NONE of the store!
And the worst part was I have to redeem the coupon which takes 10weeks...
I cannot believe it... Oh, i just cant...

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FEDUPWITHTHELIES
US
Sep 26, 2010 7:07 pm EDT

After billing my mother for false original charges and after hours of her time clearing things up and removing the crappy program off her computer - they had the audacity to try slip a false to bill her 1 year later. They should be in jail. Just google the company and see what other malicious deceitful tricks they are up to!

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ARTHUR 4681
Lexington, US
Oct 25, 2010 1:51 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

COMPANY STINKS.THEIR PRODUCT MESSES UP YOUR PC TAKES MONTHS TO GET REFUND BUT WON'T PAY FOR REPAIRS TO MY PC. THANKS FOR THE SCAM FELLOWS!

CYCSR Nancy
CYCSR Nancy
Los Angeles, US
Oct 28, 2010 4:16 am EDT

Dear Arthur,

My name is Nancy, and I work for CyberDefender. It seems you are a bit upset, perhaps regarding the status of a refund? If you would like, I can assist you, and even investigate your case to see if something went wrong in the process. We do often quote refunds might take upwards of 1-2 billing cycles to be received as a precaution. Depending on your financial institution, the range of receiving refunded monies can vary from 7 days to 2 full billing cycles. However, our refunds are sent out to consumers' banks/credit card companies only 1-2 business days following declaration of refund issuance. If it truly has been months, I'd suggest phoning your bank or credit card company to follow up. If you'd like, you can email us or call us, and we can provide you with an ARN tracking number for your refund. This will help your bank/credit card company locate the records.

You also said our Product "messes up" PCs, might I inquire as to which Product you are referring to? We are currently experiencing a massive growth rate. We are approaching 1 million new subscribers for 2010, and in all honesty, we aren't receiving the kind of negative responses an organization might expect if their products truly were messing up PCs. Relatively speaking, such actions would warrant thousands of similar complaints, however this is simply not the case. If you have discovered an error in one our software programs, this is something we would like to investigate immediately, and I'm certain our Engineers would be very pleased with the feedback.

You may reply here, or contact us by email at support@cyberdefender.com, or by phone at [protected], 7 days a week during normal business hours.

Thank you,
Nancy L. - Agent 2222
The CyberDefender Team

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Debbie Hettinger
Dimondale, US
Nov 12, 2010 6:18 pm EST

Never ever use Cyber Defender of California. They with mess up your computer because they want to get your passwork and log into your computer and they may not get it fixed till the next day. I am a premium customer and I paid $389.97 for this virus protection and they are not to be trusted. They said I will only get $75.00 of this back. I will never ever let Cyber Defender into my computer again because I had to buy a new computer because the old one crashed and burned. If I had been protected by a good anit virus this would never had happen. Please never ever use Cyber Defender!

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Jrice
Lolo, US
Dec 04, 2010 9:17 pm EST

Doublemyspeed.com or Cyber Defender are no good at all. They got us on the 2 year plan but when we had problems 10 days later and then could not get to a technician, I cancelled. Luckily it was a 3 payment plan and they only got one of them. They claim they will not bill for the remaining, but will not refund the first payment because we did not give them a chance to fix it, but I DID because I tried 4 times to get a tech on the line and they couldnt even get to the point of talking to me. DO NOT USE THEM EVER! Computer is more messed up than ever.

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1947Gerry
Effingham, US
Dec 13, 2010 3:33 pm EST

Can someone help me get Cyber Defender of my computer.I tried everything.Can't get it out. Even called them and they told me that there was a virus in my PC. They are full of it.

HELP PLEASE

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honch511
Peoria Heights, US
Jan 08, 2011 4:36 pm EST

they are the worst copany out there first go to add and remove programs and remove all cyberdefender programs then install a program called malwarebytes i did it that way and it got the program off my system hope this helps

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Wesley.Kees
Wimberley, US
Mar 30, 2011 9:27 pm EDT

Don't use this company! One of our computers was freezing and we spent $300 to get the Cyberdefender software. Not only did they screw it up so bad that our internet stopped working and the computer started to freeze up even more, but we couldn't get in touch with the billing department to get our money back! We had also had them "optimize" another laptop in the household and they had it messed up to where it stopped recognizing my iphone, couldn't download microsoft updates anymore, and would just loop itself from startup and then shut down over and over! I couldn't even get to the desktop! I have to go get a external back up so I can get my pictures off of it so that I can do a complete system recovery! (which means that I have to format the entire computer back to factory state. Thank God my computer has that option!) So far, I've been on hold with them for 45min-1hour, and finally gave up on actually talking to the billing dept. They say since I have the $300 plan, I have to talk to THAT specific billing department for a refund. I've decided that that dept. dosen't exist, and they just put you on hold FOREVER till you hang up. Let me say again people...DON'T USE THIS COMPANY! They will screw up your computer and if you try to get your money back...you'll be outta luck!

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FDL_HOU
Houston, US
Mar 31, 2011 12:57 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Install malwarebytes at malwarebytes.org. It's free but if you want lifetime, you just pay $30 and never get charged again. It's good at getting rid of this fake [censor] software. Google malarebytes and you will see great reviews on this product. It will save you hundreds from these [censor]s

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Pat From San Lorenzo, CA
San Lorenzo, US
Apr 20, 2011 9:45 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I was about to download another program (Adaware) when a box came up saying "click here to download" . I thought it was the one I wanted so I clicked...It wasn't. It was Cyberdefender. I tried to close it...wouldn't happen. I couldn't even turn off my computer without turning off the power switch! I called their number ..they encouraged me to buy it and it would free my frozen computer. I refused. They said "send my phone number by email"...couldn't..computer frozen. FINALLY a friend suggested I go back to my last System restore point and VOILA...it was gone! I had to re-install programs I had installed since the System restore point but I was so glad to get rid of that horrible monster I would have gladly re-installed everything! Why can't FCC or someone shut them down! Pat from San Lorenzo, CA

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bob
US
Nov 01, 2011 5:59 pm EDT

I down loaded the FREE cyberdefender program and when I tried to uninstall YOU CAN NOT UNINSTALL this piece of garbage.How do companys like this get away with this?

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Christina7777
Los Angeles, US
Nov 02, 2011 8:23 pm EDT

Hello,
I’m Christina, a representative at CyberDefender. I’m sorry to hear that you are having trouble uninstalling our software. You can learn more on uninstalling our software by copying and pasting this web address: http://cyberdefender.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22/kw/uninstal If you continue to have trouble please e-mail me at Community@cyberdefender.com and I will have a technician assist you.

Thanks!
Christina

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MJM73
Cherry Hill, US
Oct 11, 2012 11:18 am EDT

First, it messed up the audio on my laptop to the point that I no longer have sound on the machine. It worked fine before the 'registry cleaning'. After a year of it being a waste (the computer was still excessively slow), I cancelled. A year later, I just got another charge ($79.95) out of the blue. In calling, they apologized for the inadvertent charge. They said it appeared that I was charged $34.95, so they'll credit me that amount. I had to check it again, but they tried to give me only a partial credit! Luckily, I caught their bluff. We'll see how long it is for me to get the full charge. Unbelievable! AVOID!

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