www.thedownloadplace.com - scam?

lm50

Anyone had dealings with this web site.

I believe it must be a scam. I have become a lifetime member at $39.95.

The reason for joining was to download some office software that I am after. It also says you can download music, films, TV shows etc.

It is only after you have signed up and paid money by credit card that you are allowed into the download area to search for items you want to download. The problem is I cant find anything. Thought it might be my firewall causing the problem so disabled it and still cant find anything.

The only way to contact them is by email, unfortunately they dont respond.

Have contacted my credit card company and they say that they cannot do anything to recover money.

I feel rather foolish. Is there anyone I can complain to - there should be some way of stopping this company from operating!

Rex_Mundi

This really looks like an illegal download site. I can't see how they can offer latest films, music and branded software as much as you want for $40.

Also the links for the 'awards' they have do not work. Not a good sign. I did a search for the 2004 CAPA awards. The only reference to this site and this award is on thedownloadplace.com website. Looks very bogus!!!

You should have been a bit suspicious to see that you can download Windows XP, Microsoft Word and Norton Antivirus all for $40. All of these programs are offered on file sharing networks for nothing illegally. This is aside from the latest movies and music that they are offering.

I presume the download manager you have installed is some form of bit torrent. There are no details on the site as to exactly what their software is, but it does have the feel of file sharing software.

I would be surprised if you get your money back. The impression I get is of a dodgy site. Also be very careful of any software you download. File sharing is one of the easiest ways to spread viruses and spyware. It would only take a couple of lines of code in the middle of a legitimate program to completely muck your computer up. You wouldn't know till you run the program.

I would keep an eye on your bank card use for a while. Just in case they misuse your details.

Rex_Mundi

It gets worse. You'd better have a look at this site.
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11804547?hilite=thedownloadplace

Confirms my first suspicions about the nature of the site.

I've just checked the link. You will have to copy all of the address line into your browser to get to the right page.

soolin

I would also be inclined to go back to your credit card company and insist they help you further. They gave a license to the site to accept visa or mastercard (whatever) and they must hold some responsibility.

Reading the financial press it does seem that credit card companies automatically say they can't help when in fact a little more pressure might do the trick.

Soo

lm50

Thanks for the info guys, I'm certainly going to try and put pressure on credit card company.

Rex-Mundi - that was a very interesting link that you have provided - thanks very much. Seems I'm not the only one! Think I'll contact the legalbegal mentioned in the link too.

I guess we learn by our mistakes - hopefully.