Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Iolo Scam

Aug 25, 2010 10:40AM PDT

Iolo Software Scam?
Iolo System Mechanic Professional Useless Against Trojans despite Claims.

A few months ago I bought the above Iolo software that performs the dual function of protecting against viruses, Trojans and other malware, as well as provides tune-ups for computers. The software box stated:

?Blocks viruses, Trojans, rootkits, worms and more. Disinfects dangerous email attachments Removes backdoor programs, key loggers and more.?

However, two weeks after installing both this software and the associated firewall, my laptop became infected with a Trojan called windows32 Trojan fake spy pro. Many programs would not boot, and a balloon came up saying it was infected, and urged me to activate my virus software. I was unable to get onto the Internet at all except for the website of this malware program, Antivir Solution, Inc.

I ran a complete computer scan of my computer for viruses and malware using my Irolo program. I ran it twice. It could not locate an infection. However, I could no longer contact the Irolo website for updates.

I called Irolo technical support to help me remove the supposed Trojan, and was connected to an Indian technician. He told me amazing things and led up to what appears might be a scam.

He told me that Irolo software does not protect against some Trojans and that millions of computers all over the world have been so infected, and no software can protect against it. I advised him that their ads say their System Guard and System Shield state they protect against Trojans and other malware. He just repeated that no commercial software protects against these Trojans.

He also asked me what sites I frequently used, and I mentioned I was a blogger and also used facebook. He immediately jumped and said I was infected from using the facebook site. He said they are a focal point for infection, and if I did a google search, I would find that to be true. How he knew this sight unseen, shows a remarkable clairvoyance.

He then stated my only recourse was to take my computer to a Microsoft Certified Technician for repair, because my computer has been take over by a very aggressive malware that is slowly taking over every aspect of its operation, slowing it down and destroying its functioning. It was urgent to get it to such a technician immediately, otherwise eventually I will need to get a hard disk replacement that will cost $380.

I have no idea where that dollar amount came from, but I doubt that a hard disk replacement would cost that much, especially as my laptop was still under warranty.

He stated I could take the laptop to Best Buy, where their Geek Squad could fix the machine for $299. Or, I could take it to Radio Shack, where they would fix it for $249.
But then he had an idea. Or, I can put you in contact with a Certified technician that works ?with us,? who will fix it for $199.00. He said that in addition, if this ever happens again, their own technicians will fix it again for free. He stated, however, that if I went to Best Buy or Radio Shack, and the machine became infected again, I would have to pay their full price to get it repaired again.

I turned his offer down smelling a scam by Iolo, who couldn?t protect my computer from a ubiquitous Trojan that just sailed through their firewall and virus protection software, and decided to make an extra $199.00 by essentially selling a second, higher tier of protection.

Or, the Indians are pulling a fast one on Iolo, shuffling people to their neighbors for a cut.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Issues/Iolo etc.
Aug 29, 2010 11:54PM PDT

Get a flash drive, go to a CLEAN system, download Malwarebytes, save to the flash drive. Boot the sick system to SAFE mode, run the Malwarebytes (from FD)see what it comes up with and of course use the remove function to get rid of whatever is listed. Then get yourself some AV/ANTI Spyware software. You can do the free downloads if you like BUT some of those can create their own issues. AVG and AVAST are quite good, prefer to have on Disk (you have to buy)so that you have the full package and have the option to easily reload if issues arise. Good luck!

- Collapse -
Stuff happens
Aug 30, 2010 2:02AM PDT

I don't agree with the pricing for an AV repair, unless it was mailed-in, etc.. Overall, removing trojans and/or infections can be if anything time-consuming even with good tools. Further, when returned, it has to be truly cleaned. Some tools just can't do everything when its a "new attack" process, infection and/or day-0 released attack. The AV people have to find a cure and release it with updates and that can be at least 4-8hrs. away, so some hits can be devastating until dealt with. You say, it sailed through their firewall, but often enough, users allow things in, because they routinely just click, OK/yes to proceed further.

Regardless, you got infected and you're here. The usual tools links here(sticky) and what seems to work, plus googling away has resolved many an issue. Now, you can complain to Ioio people and see what can be done or at least try a return process since, its been a short period with the product. This is all up to you. You can google and get a feel for what's in/out for Ioio products their standing. Plus, complaint better at "consumer sounding forums" that track such.

tada -----Willy Happy

- Collapse -
Unbelievable scam !
Dec 6, 2010 2:08AM PST

I also went through the exact thing almost word for word and I am outraged that #1 They did this and two I was foolish enough to fall for it. the very next day my computer would not start windows I trusted in a name(IOLO) as trusted after I had purchased their software previously and I was foolish enough to let someone have remote access as well either IOLO is selling its soul or someone is using their name and since I have heard nothing from iOLO alerting anyone to this scam I can only surmise.... please if you read this PLEASE send to all your friends it will give me and others some satisfaction that they didn't get everyone to this scam ruining/disabling their computers

- Collapse -
yes and more
Jan 2, 2015 10:07AM PST

I m receiving offer to update still. even after I updated to mechanic professional

And I noticed than when sending an email and a file attach, Seconds for seconds Iolo system mechanic
updated , so it is a true spyware,

Also the same for me. System mechanic pro does not stop Trojans.
Thank God I had a virus protection from other company or I would probably have spend hours cleaning virus Trojans or buy another computer