PC Care 247 Scare tactics - frenzied salesman - outrageous price for service New York, New York

Last week my computer was infected with the XP Home Security 2012 virus which takes over your computer and renders it useless - no access to the internet - nor to data in your files. Nothing.

I was able to use my cell phone to briefly access the internet and found the first listing for a toll free number and a web address for microsoft-support.pccare247.com.  I called the number and was immediately connected to someone in either India or NY - I am not sure where. 

The PC Care 247 technician completely put the fear of God in me - he told me that my computer had been hacked - that bad people were using my IP address to do criminal things - that my bank account numbers, passwords and all financial transactions were in evil hands.  The only way to fix it was to install some anti-MALware and that I could not wait another minute.

I was told it would cost $399.95 to fix my computer and provide me with 3 years of technical support for this computer.  I was shocked at the price tag- I stated I thought this was high - that I would wait for my computer guy to look at it.  I was never offered another price package with a lesser term limit or even a per fix price.  I was told this was the only solution and that I was at risk - even if I bought another computer - my IP address was in jeopardy.

I questioned their affiliation with Microsoft and was told they were an authorized rep - I am not sure if that is true or not.  They badgered me to move forward.  They told me each minute I waited to make a decision was putting my computer in further danger - It was crazy and not knowing a lot about computers and viruses - I stupidly, moved forward with them. 

I suppose the good news is the computer was fixed and became operational.  All day though, I had a weird feeling that I was being ripped off.  When I fnally had access to the internet and went on their website and saw lower based packages - fees for service only - I called their customer support hotline and was assured I was lucky that I received such a rich low priced offer.   

I emailed the following day and asked to be charged for just the service they provided to remove the virus - i was told the price was $300 and that the 3 year service plan was only $99.95.  I find that astonishing - that a simple fix that took them an hour (maybe) is $300 and a 3 year 24/7 technical support contract is just $99.95!!!

They have few published prices on their website  - there is no way I can confirm that this is indeed the rate charged to remove the virus.  

The salesman could not provide me with a price list or a quote - every quote is customized I was told.  The salesman said he would refund the $99.95 only.

It is my personal opinion that this company is a ripoff and I think their tactics are forceful, frantic, frenzied and not right.  All I can say is BE AWARE.