installing elements 12

[jerry_4439]

Here's the situation. I bought an old ELEMENTS 12 program from eBay. Here's the link:   Adobe Photoshop Elements 12 For Mac and PC w/Serial Number Open Box Never Used | eBay   [Moderator removed link]

I receive the item; I install it. I try to start it. It wants to connect to Adobe for Adobe ID. It won't connect. Says I have no internet connection. I do, via WiFi.

I tried all the other links. I have a chat session with Adobe. Told serial number is expired. I can't use the program. 

I contacted the seller saying I want to return it. His response:

Seller Message
Hello this is what I found out. This program is still working and is not Expired. It says it was registered on 3-31-2025 and the platform says multiple. You can only use it on the computer you registered it on. I have photo evidence and emails from adobe confirming what I’m saying. So I’m sorry but I’m not going to give you a refund for a program you already registered. I’d appreciate it if you would cancel the refund request. Let’s keep this civil and do the right thing.

Program is installed on one computer only. I just cannot access it. I just want to get it working. It is a legit program. 

If all else fails, I can uninstall the program and unregister it at Adobe. If so, how would I unregister it?

Thank You,

[Greg_S.]

This is a scam.  Adobe will not newly register a program that first released about 12 years ago.

I am sure that this seller has no photo evidence or emails from Adobe confirming whatever it is he/she is saying.  Either get eBay to make it right or write off whatever it is you paid.  

[jerry_4439]

Thanks Greg. Ebay decided in my favor. BTW, the seller insists that,  with the program registered in my name,  he can't re-sell it. Is there anywhere at Adobe where they explain their policy?  Adobe's no help, they jusy refer me to their chat system.

[Greg_S.]

BTW, I just took a look at the link which has been removed by another moderator.  The description of the product is for Photoshop Elements, but the product image is for Premiere Elements which is a different program.  The product description also indicates that it is an open box item which further confirms that you are buying used software and that this is a scam.

[Peru Bob · Accepted solution]

Seller Message
Hello this is what I found out. This program is still working and is not Expired. It says it was registered on 3-31-2025 and the platform says multiple. 

By jerry_4439

In addition to the facts uncovered by Greg_S. :

The only way for somebody to get that information is to go to their account and see it registered there.

So either he would have to have access to your Adobe account, or he is not truthful.

Also, there is no support for a version that old. Adobe will not answer any questions or provide any support at all for version 12, so he doesn't have any photo evidence.

[Peru Bob]

If you check the seller's feedback on eBay, there are several persons that provided feedback saying that they received used items which were advertised as new.

[Greg_S.]

The Adobe license transfer requirements may be found here:

https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/policy-pricing/transfer-product-license.html

[jerry_4439]

Thanks again