Computer Software Developers
Advikfast Solutions LLCFind BBB Accredited Businesses in Computer Software Developers.
Information and Alerts
Alert Details
This business has 2 alerts.
Pattern of Complaints
In March 2019, BBB identified a pattern of complaints filed against this business.
Specifically, complaints allege:
* Advertising Issues-(consumers received a pop-up message alerting them about computer viruses and malware detected that prompted them to contact the business for tech support services; The pop up message listed Advikfast Solutions LLC's telephone number and misrepresented an affiliation with Microsoft or Apple)
*Service Issues- (Technician claimed to be a Microsoft or Apple representative; Consumers' computer was virus protected before they contacted Advikfast Solutions, there was never a virus detected;consumer determined that there was no virus protection/firewall software installed by Advikfast Solutions LLC)
*Refund Issues- (The refund promised was never rendered to consumer; contact with an individual claiming to represent the business resulted in unauthorized charges or an overpayment scheme)
BBB contacted the business to inform about the pattern of complaints and requested that they provide an explanation for what they believe to be the cause of the pattern, and to create an action plan with at least 3 steps that the business will implement, to eliminate the pattern.
On April 1, 2019 the business provided a response indicating that they believe the pattern of complaints was caused by:
- "Rumors of our firm closing and offering gift certificate suspected to have originated by our competitors or some former employee of our subcontractor. There is no truth in this rumor.
Pop-Ups: Not authorized by Advikfast Solutions LLC. No proof has been provided by BBB.
Promise of Refunds but no payment made: This is partly true. Our funds have been frozen at one of the banks for the last four months causing great hardship. Most of the promised refunds had been made back to customers. Few remaining of the refunds will be taken care of in the near future.
Affiliation with Microsoft or Apple: Advikfast website clearly indicates that we are an independent Third-Party and not affiliated with any of the firms listed above.
We plan to implement the following action items (at least 3 steps) to avoid similar complaints in the future:
Refunds: We will initiate Refund Voucher System with the serial numbers and date. All Vouchers issued by our Customer Service will be paid promptly directly by Advikfast via company check.
Quality Control System: This will be augmented and frequency of monitoring will be increased.
Non-Affiliation with Microsoft and Apple: This Statement, on our website, will be updated by making them bold."
BBB will continue to monitor the nature of complaints submitted about this business and will
update the profile with developments, as they surface.
Investigations
In October of 2018, BBB began receiving complaints alleging that consumers received an internet pop up message alerting them about computer viruses and malware detected, promoting them to contact this business for tech support services.
After consumers contacted the business using the phone number displayed on the pop up message, the business took remote control of their computers and allegedly installed cyber security software at a fee. Consumer complaints inform that when they took their computer to a trusted professional for servicing, they were informed that no viruses were detected and the consumers had to pay trusted professionals to remove any and all software that was added by this business in order to protect their computers.
BBB also received consumer reports informing that this business requested remote access to their computers in order to render refunds, since business was closing, which resulted in unauthorized credit card/ bank debits. One consumer complaint stated that while the business had remote access to their computer, they made it appear as if the business had granted a refund that was too high, and requested that the consumer pay the difference via gift cards.
On 02/06/2019, BBB investigated this business based on the concerns raised in complaints and consumer reports.
On 02/15/2019 BBB contacted the business directly and requested a response to clarifying questions regarding their business model.
Specifically, BBB asked the business about
-any protocols they have in place to ensure employees are acting within policies/guidelines of the company
- marketing efforts used to obtain clients
-an explanation of how the business model/practices differ from the illegitimate tech support businesses as detailed by the Federal Trade Commission:
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0346-tech-support-scams
- how the business detects viruses and malware on consumers' computers who have not yet contracted services with the business.
- if the business records telephone calls
- a description of fees assessed for products/services
-the business' refund policy
-accepted payment methods
BBB requested that the business provide a detailed response by 03/01/2019.
As of today, 03/05/2019 the business has not provided a response to the clarifying questions posed by BBB of MD.
When BBB reviewed the business website, BBB noted that while the business entity registration indicates that the business was established in May of 2018, and the website was also created in May of 2018, the website claimed that the business was "Established in 2012", and also claimed that the business had " 5 years of experience". The website also displayed conflicting information about the number of employees. The website claimed that Advikfast Solutions LLC has " 5 employees", "a work force of almost 100 skilled employees" , and " 117 professionals".
When BBB conducted Advertising review and challenged these claims, the business did not provide a written response to BBB, but modified the website to indicate that they were "Established in January 2018", with " 10 employees"... " a workforce of almost 10 skilled employees".
Important Information
Additional Info
BBB confirmed that payments made to Advikfast Solutions LLC are processed by a business called BPO Payment Processing Center, LLC. BBB confirmed that Advikfast Solutions and BPO Payment Processing Center, LLC are both owned by Dr. Kailash C. Goel and share an address, 5 Park Place, Suite 102
Annapolis, MD 21401-3391
The BBB business profile for BPO Payment Processing Center can be accessed by clicking the link below:
https://www.bbb.org/us/md/annapolis/profile/computer-software-developers/bpo-payment-processing-center-0011-90349628
Reason for Rating - Factors Lowered
12 complaints filed against business
Reason for Rating - Factors Lowered
4 complaints filed against business that were not resolved.
Reason for Rating - Factors Lowered
Failure to be transparent about ownership, location, or products/services offered.
Reason for Rating - Factors Lowered
Failure to respond to one complaint filed against business.
Reason for Rating - Factors Lowered
BBB concerns with the business's practices.
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