Bought new Photoshop Element 12: Confirm I've been scammed

I bought a never-used Photoshop Element 12, along with Premiere Element 12.  DVDs for Mac and Windows came in sealed box with redemption code.  Used redemption code to obtain Serial #s for both apps, and used Windows DVD and serial numbers to install both apps on my laptop.  I already had an Adobe account, as I own a copy of Acrobat Pro.  I then used the serial numbers to register both Elements and Premiere Elements, and Adobe now lists both products as registered.  So far so good.

While still signed into my Adobe account, I opened Elements 12 on my laptop.  A screen opened with a link and a message stating that I must sign into my Adobe account, and am required to register the product with 7 days or it will stop working.  (I was already signed in, and the product was already registered.)  I followed the link and signed in via password and 2FA.  When I did, I received a message stating that I'm signed in and can get back to where I left off.  But any attempt to use the program calls up the same same message that I must sign in and register within 7 days.  The same happens when I open Premiere Elements 12.  It's an endless loop.

I turned to this forum and found a discussion on April 2nd of this month, following a query from jerry_4439, who had just purchased Photoshop Element 12.  Greg_S. informed him that he had been scammed, as Adobe will not newly register a 12-year-old program.  I was able to register both products.  Given that neither app works, I assume I've been scammed as well.  Just wanted confirmation, since I was able to register.  I'm almost certain I'll be asking for a refund from the seller, and will turn to eBay if I need to.

Thank you for your help.