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"Cheap" Licenses for sale

Anonymous
2020-07-09T10:27:25+00:00

Is there a scam checklist available regarding so-called Genuine Microsoft software licenses for sale via a number of sites?

They appear to be genuine although the websites are rather basic such as https://licensesdirect.co.uk/microsoft-office-2019-professional-plus-for-windows-pc  ?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | For home | Windows

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-07-09T12:43:54+00:00

    There is no "official" checklist

    .

    What version of Office is it?

    "Office Professional Plus" > almost certainly a scam, MS does not retail this license, only Volume license from "MS Partners" or through the HUP, Home Use (Discount) Program.

    "Office Standard" can also be a volume license

    Sometimes the site says it is selling "Office Professional", but when you look closely you'll see they are listing the applications in Pro Plus.  Or when you install "Office Professional" you find you actually have "Office Professional Plus"

    .

    What is the price?

    £27.99   That is absurdly low. Retail price for Home and Student is US$150, so how can they possibly sell Pro Plus for 1/3 of that price?  

    If the price is too good to be true ... . Selling Professional Plus? Are they an official MS Partner

    Search MS Partner Network to see if they are a partner:

    https://partner.microsoft.com/en-us/support

    .

    How long has the site been in existence?

    Do a "WHOIS" search on the website.  Identify who ownes it, where they are located and how long the site has been registered.

    .

    Do they "provide" a "free email" account to use?

    This is another sure sign of a scam. You should only use your own personal or corporate email accounts.

    .

    Look at the quality of the content on the Website

    Are the factual errors?  ie wrong application list, offering a "lifetime 365 subscription" ?

    ie on this page: https://licensesdirect.co.uk/microsoft-office-2019-professional-plus-for-windows-pc-5-user/

    they are offering "MICROSOFT OFFICE 2019 PROFESSIONAL PLUS FOR WINDOWS PC (5 USER)"

    Sorry there is no such critter!  This is so messed up it is laughable

    • Office 2019 is ONLY for one computer.
    • Office 365 allows ONE user to have Office active on up to 5 computers at the same time
    • ONLY 365 Family allows the owner to "share" with 5 other people

    The "Genuine" graphic they are using is close, but not exactly correct

    http://download.microsoft.com/download/5/4/b/54b25e24-9aa5-45e6-9175-9662ff2488b5/oganotificationwhitepaper.pdf

    Are there spelling or grammatical errors?

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-07-09T10:54:36+00:00

    Hi Ray,

    I'm not aware of a 'this might be a scam' checklist, but if the price is too good to be true, it's a sure bet it's a scam - usually for a volume license. Avoid unknown websites - buy from your favorite retailer, where it might have it a bit lower than Microsoft - somewhere around 10% less, 20% off for back to school sales.

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-07-09T13:05:19+00:00

    Here is an article with some more suggestions

    This article: **** How to Recognize Scam Websites 2017 10 17

    https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-spot-a-scam-website-4151909

    has a few more points to look for:

    • How Did You Get to the Website?
    • Is the Website Endorsed by Big Name Companies?
    • How to Spot a Fake Website Address From a Real One
    • Do They Take Credit Cards?
    • Real Shopping Websites Offer Real Refunds and Have Real Contact Information

    (note: scam sites may "offer" refunds, but when it comes time to get one they drag the process out before shutting down operations)

    • Check Reviews and the Better Business Bureau
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