Been having trouble syncing calendars. The “identified problem” related to my
iCloud password.
I called Apple (855) 445-5888.
Apple did not need my AppleCare number or my computer serial number. Nothing.
After checking his computers, he determined that my problem logging into Apple
services
was not a hardware problem
was not a software problem
but rather a network problem.
He turned me over to the network expert.
who asked me to download a program that allows him to take over my computer.
I did. He did.
He opened the terminal to draw circles around perhaps 25 “foreign" accounts
apparently logged into my computer as we spoke.
I said, “This is a Mac. This is not supposed to happen to me.”
He said, “Remember all those businesses hacked?
The hackers get your info from [perhaps Target, J P Morgan],
log into your computer,
and wait for an opportune time to steal your id, money, life
He made it very scary, but then, I think it IS scary.
He offered to fix it all for $379.
I gave him my credit card, etc.
He ran a program that ran several different bars across the screen,
one showing > 5,220 “identified" security breaches,
not identified to me, but…
all purportedly fixed by the program,
which, he said, also removed my information from the "foreign data bases"
logged into my computer.
He then entered an extended pitch for
the two services they offer
and the two (sic) options available to me.
The first service is like insurance.
they will [insure] up to 10 network devices
Any member of the family,
using any network computer, any telefone, any iPad, printer,
whether used at home or away,
against all attacks in the next five years.
The second service is purging your network device of evil 24x7
during the next three (3) years.
For $999, (today’s $379 + $620 more), they will [insure]
up to 10 network devices, any computer, telefone, iPad, printer,
used by any member of the family,
on any network, at home or away,
against all attacks in the next five years.
AND
for the next three years, they will fix your computers’
problems 24x7.
For $1,500, (today’s $379 + $1,121 more) they insure for your life
(if they’re still in business, but they did not mention that).
AND
for the next three years, they will fix your computers’
problems 24x7.
Such a deal,
BUT I must commit now, before they close the ticket and bill my account.
If I come back tomorrow, with a different computer, they will charge
$379 again.
This was about 2:30 AM, and the pressure offended me.
If they "need an answer now,
the answer is ‘no.’”
They did.
The decision could not possibly be postponed until tomorrow.
After an additional 20 minutes
during which the techie (not “salesman”),
“without recommending anything"
continued to explain the grave risks of not buying,
he turned me over to a network specialist,
who spent about 40 minutes, making my iCloud/ iTunes/ AppStore/ password work,
the problem I called to fix.
He then put me on hold to wait for his supervisor,
who said that for my $379, I get one year’s protection and 24x7 service,
a third option that the techie had failed to mention.
They could not wait to get rid of me.
Nor I, them.
Altho I called Apple,
the service is provided by [email protected]
an independent company.
Good night, frends.
_____________________
Nelsn Helm
4112 Massie Av 3
Louisville, KY 40207-2179
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