Received Non-Genuine Adobe Acrobat Software
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Hi all,
I recently purchased a copy of what I thought would be Adobe Acrobat Pro 2020 from an Australian dealer that seems to offer (other) legitimate software and has a valid business number. The listing is https://softwaresite.com.au/adobe-acrobat/151-adobe-acrobat-pro-professional-2020-desktop-pc-license...
Based on the listing, I would have expected to receive a license key valid to activate a copy of Adobe Acrobat Pro 2020. However, instead I received a Mediafire download link for the software (with references to Adobe Acrobat DC (I don't think "Acrobat Pro DC 2020" is a thing) - which is supposed to be the continuous subscription track), alongside instructions to disable/remove Adobe Genuine Software (I suspect they mean Adobe Genuine Service) as it throws out "false positives" (how convenient?).
When I asked the sales representative about this they claim it was a pre-activated copy that isn't a retail copy and is instead meant for installers and OEMs to preload. I understand that keys should be issued on request even in this scenario - something they claim is not the case. They claim the software is delivered via Mediafire link was due to having the software license embedded but the speed of delivery after checkout was suspicious.
Now I personally believe that this is counterfeit/pirated software, but the explanation they provided could sound reasonable and plausible to non-technical support representatives at PayPal which I suspect I would have to pursue for a refund - they did offer to refund but I'm not sure if they're trying to buy time for the refund window to close or if they're trying to protect their business model by refunding anyone who's the least bit suspicious of their practices to continue preying on the less savvy?
Here is what I received in lieu of a license key:
This is their response:
I tried contacting piracy@adobe.com to get official confirmation but they haven't responded.
Is there some way to get official confirmation from Adobe personnel that what I've been delievered is not legitimate?
Thanks!
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Sounds very very suspicious. For starters, OEM licenses can't be resold. Also, if Adobe says it's not a legitimate license then it's not, 99% of the time. There can be a one-time fluke or something, but to state in their instructions that it's likely going to happen and to disable the Adobe Genuine Software Service to overcome it (which won't work, by the way), is a huge red flag. Not to mention the Mediafire download link, etc.
If they can't provide a legitimate license from Adobe, they shouldn't be selling it.
I would demand a refund ASAP.
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