Symantec fraudulent billing- how to stop?

[GerryJ]

Hello, Norton/Symantec keeps automatically billing my credit card for a version of Internet Security that I cancelled over a year ago, as it was on a computer that broke and has been off-line for a year. (I still have another version of Int Sec on my current (working) PC) .I spend a few hours on the phone to resolve it, they say they'll credit it, but they don't.
The Credit card people say I'll have to just get a new credit card number- that sounds like a turf, haven't pushed the Card people yet- before I do, anyone have any advice? thanks!

[gearitis]

I've been down the automatic billing road. Just get a new card. It will most likely be the easiest and most sure way to stop the billing.

[oakfloor]

I've been down the automatic billing road. Just get a new card. It will most likely be the easiest and most sure way to stop the billing.
Good advice, do it,

[tonedaddy]

I've been down the automatic billing road. Just get a new card. It will most likely be the easiest and most sure way to stop the billing.

:agree

One thing I've started using is Paypal's Secure Card generator for all of my online purchases except any subscriptions I ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY know I want to continue.

It's a browser add-on (available for IE and Firefox) that lets you instantly create secure, single-use card numbers instead of your normal Paypal debit card (and remember, you're funding source for a Paypal debit card can be a bank account or credit card, so you can direct the eventual charge anywhere you want).

So if you sign up for an annual subscription for something like Symantec's AV service or especially any service that is a low initial charge on the card number they have to have for your trial period (where they think that they're going to be able to charge that card forever once the trial period is over), they're completely foiled.

Once they use the single use card number that you generate, it can never be used again. It stops situations like yours completely. Yes, you'll have to generate a new single-use card number every year for an antivirus service or for a service you want to extend beyond a trial period, but it's not like they won't tell you that your subscription or the service is about to expire.

To use the Secured Card generator, if you have a Paypal premium account with a debit card, just go into your account and over on the left hand side, under Tools, click on "Paypal Plug-in". If you don't have Paypal, then you can contact your credit card company as I know some of them have similar single-use card number services they offer.

[brlfq]

Hello, Norton/Symantec keeps automatically billing my credit card for a version of Internet Security that I cancelled over a year ago, as it was on a computer that broke and has been off-line for a year. (I still have another version of Int Sec on my current (working) PC) .I spend a few hours on the phone to resolve it, they say they'll credit it, but they don't.
The Credit card people say I'll have to just get a new credit card number- that sounds like a turf, haven't pushed the Card people yet- before I do, anyone have any advice? thanks!

Use your debit card to pay for stuff like that. Mine automatically gets renewed every year. The most any company can get from me is one renew, then they have to get a new credit(debit card) month/year to renew anything.

[HeeHaw]

Why should he have to get another card. Clearly Symantec is stealing from him. Isn't this illeagle?

[59Vampire]

Isn't this illeagle?


What does a sick bird have to do with this?

[Luke]

I've found the best way to deal with autopay things is to use a gift card VISA you can buy at the mall for $2.00. I'll purchase one for $100~$200, use it for magazine subscriptions etc until the balance gets too low and blow out the balance at the supermarket.

[Darth Tater]

what does a sick bird have to do with this?

lol!

[jcoloccia]

Hello, Norton/Symantec keeps automatically billing my credit card for a version of Internet Security that I cancelled over a year ago, as it was on a computer that broke and has been off-line for a year. (I still have another version of Int Sec on my current (working) PC) .I spend a few hours on the phone to resolve it, they say they'll credit it, but they don't.
The Credit card people say I'll have to just get a new credit card number- that sounds like a turf, haven't pushed the Card people yet- before I do, anyone have any advice? thanks!

I'm guessing that you haven't sent anything to Symantec in writing yet, correct? Over the phone is useless. Send it in writing. Send proof of your cancellation. Demand an immediate refund.

Also, let your CC company know that this is a fradulent charge. Explain that you're attempting to resolve the issue with Norton. You don't have to get a new number. Norton needs to stop charging your card, and your CC company needs to handle this as a fradulent charge if you can't resolve this with Norton.

What CC company are you with, BTW? I'd be shocked if Visa or Mastercard's advice is to get a new card number. Normally, their service on this stuff is fantastic.

[Blue Strat]

Hello, Norton/Symantec keeps automatically billing my credit card for a version of Internet Security that I cancelled over a year ago, as it was on a computer that broke and has been off-line for a year. (I still have another version of Int Sec on my current (working) PC) .I spend a few hours on the phone to resolve it, they say they'll credit it, but they don't.
The Credit card people say I'll have to just get a new credit card number- that sounds like a turf, haven't pushed the Card people yet- before I do, anyone have any advice? thanks!

Those bastards did the same thing to me. After 2 chargebacks they stopped.

I like the way it's impossible to find someone to call or email from their website. F'ers.:mob

[GerryJ]

Thanks for the advice, all! Very helpful-
For some of the questions-
I can try finding a 'real' address for Symantec, it's not listed on their emails, etc.
I have a Visa card; I will probably lean on them a little harder about how it's a fraudulent charge (even tho I may need to get a new card to prevent it from happening a third time).

[Big Boss Man]

Symantec is a virus. You should never install it on your PC in the first place.

[gearitis]

Why should he have to get another card. Clearly Symantec is stealing from him. Isn't this illeagle?

In an ideal world he shouldn't be forced to get a new card, but the amount of time and effort it typically takes to get a company like Symantec to stop automatically billing greatly exceeds the small inconvenience of getting a new card.

[daddyo]

I've stopped autobillings gone wild by calling my credit card company. First I mailed a formal letter cancelling the service. Then when I call the credit card folks, they ask for proof I tried to resolve the issue with the merchant. I fax them the letter and the charges stop and I got the back payments back, too.

[joseph]

Symantec is a virus. You should never install it on your PC in the first place.

LOL!
Any suggestions for an effective anti-virus program that has less hassles than Symantec (including the perpetual credit card billing)?
Vista PC. thanks

[MudPies]

AVG Free

Avast

many more. Don't waste money on virus programs that are no better than the free ones out there.