I used a unique email address to make a purchase from Soft4Download.com, and all was well with the transaction. But that was 6 months ago, and that unique (never used before or since) email address is now getting tons of spam. Soft4Download obviously sold their customer list to spammers. It makes me wonder what they've done with my other personal and credit card info.

I think you can find downloadable software at a less sleazy and more reputable vendor--just say no to Soft4Download.com.

I just checked, and www.soft4download.com (redirected to www.oem4download.com) is registered and administered in places like Latvia, China, and Russia, probably to avoid anti-piracy and other consumer safeguards. And you won't find a physical address or phone number for these folks anywhere. I strongly suspect their wares are not legit...

I recently purchased Windows XP Professional from Soft4download. The SN did not work. They supplied me with another SN and the software loaded. However, when I went to update DirectX from Microsoft, the MD website detected it as non-authentic software! and it would not allow me to download Direct X. In fact I can not download any of the free software from MS. In addition my legal copy of MS Office does not always work properly.

I believe this to be pirated software!

hi guys, my buddy just bought a lot of software from soft4download.com (who also owns and redirects to oem4download, soft-centre.net, 4download.info, sdownload.com - just to name a few). all are the same site, all charge ridiculous cheap prices for pirated software - its definitely pirated because it comes with a keygen and other tools to pirate the software and the prices will never be as low as they list, so STAY AWAY!!

ps - they supposedly refund you your money so you don't blow their cover, but this is only something i read online. I searched for soft4download and it pulled up a thread where some lady posted her login info to the soft4download.com site (which is actually 4download.info). sooo yea, this lady got scammed and so will anyone that purchases thru the site.

I also tried buying norton virus from these pirats. I also tried to call the number listed and went to Germany.I,m still waiting for the phone bill!.When I tried to download,I couldnt,i asked for a refund,that was the end of my inquiry.how do I report this to the FBI or who-ever?.
bad bad company,if indeed it is a company.

Best bet is to contact your credit card company and dispute the charges. There is a very good chance the money these cons got from the credit card system will be reversed and their account even withdrawn.
The company soft4download aka www.waredesk.net keeps adding new domain names.
When I got conned (I didnt have my spinnach that week) of buying MS Longhorn beta which according to the company was supposed to last for 6 months, it lasted 2 weeks when the illegal copy ran out) I reported the company to microsoft last summer although MS didnt reply (they do state they are unable to reply to every fraud report) but the more that report this company, the more likely bigger voices like MS will take action and get an end to people parting with their hard earned money to fraudsters.

Important is to destroy any images and erase any of their products as its a felony in both the USA and EU and other countries to restain or distribute illegal software of the types obtainable from soft4download.

NB the billing company of soft4download is based in Russia somewhere outside of EU juridistiction.
Lativia is however within the EU and EU has tough anti spam and software priacy laws, im going to look into if anything can be done via this way as I live within EUs borders.
But first step, definately call your CC and dispute charges.
Forum on fraudulent software is a good idea :)
Jonas

I purchased Adope Photoshop CS from Soft4Download and have had no problems so far... it has been over 2 months since the purchase. But now I am worried after reading these posts! I purchased it for my daughter to use for her highschool imaging class... Had no idea it might be pirated! I was just thrilled that we found a way to afford the dang program... it was so expensive everywhere else... [sigh]

Just what the heck is going on with Soft4download.com? I do not know who to believe anymore! Sometime ago I too purchased a Several programs from this outfit in the course of couple sessions. Sure, I was downright giddy about how a little they charged for their (if it was theirs, that is) products.

I mean I searched and searched the Internet to no avail to find out whether this place was legitimate. I looked for any articles that contain piracy issues that points to this company. I found NONE! Not in the computer magazines such as PC World, PC Magazine, Computer World, BBB.org RipOffReport.com; Not in the local newspapers, even in the major newspapers like USA Today, NY Times, WA Post--until I came acrossed Epinion site just today.

I have a need and desire to do things right. As far as I know, none of the software manufacturers (Microsoft, Macromedia, Adobe, and so forth) are responding to the concerned consumers like myself about Soft4download. Eventhough I cannot pay these manufacturers a Retail price all at once, I would like to work out a payment plan. But what am I and other concerned people supposed to do when the software companies do not even respond?

That said, this may be somewhat off the topic but I have to mention this because software companies seem to be so busy that they do not know what their other hand is doing:

I received an expensive product from Corel that was mistakenly delievered to my address. This happened in March of this year. So naturally, I contacted Corel about this matter and I was told they will send their Parcel (DHL) service to pick up the item. Over six months later, a software box is left unopened and I am still waiting for them to show up! I clearly let them know I was not going to take my valuable time, drive and walk into UPS office and dish out $15 for shipping and handling. Just a thought.

I too have been stung by the same bee.

I purchased Windows XP Professionl and now Microsoft say my copy is invalid.

I have emailed Soft4download twice and not one reply in over a week.

I know what you mean.

My question is ...... whom do we complain to?????

Anybody know????

Your best bet for complaining is probably the FTC. I know they have a devision dedicated to online fraud. However, since this is such a common occurance, and most of these websites are physically located in foreign countries, you are probably out of luck for getting your money back.

Since you had to pay via credit card to download the software, you might be able to dispute the charge with your credit card company. That usually has to happen within 3 months of the original purchase though.

Amy

After much digging about this company and the others in likeness, I am convinced Soft4download is a fraud. I have deleted and removed their products from my computer. I also replaced credit cards that I used to purchase their products. Do I feel any better by doing this? Yes, I certainly do and I have P-E-A-C-E! In fact, I had a dream short-time before patronizing this company, soft4download.

In that dream, I remember making statement something like this, "I will not give my business or spend money on the illegal businesses or products..." I know the Lord enlightened me of this. Unfortunately, I tried to reason by thinking that the jurisdiction in other country was not the same as in the USA. Moreover, I could not find any credible information about this company based in Latvia--until I came across this message board.

Unfortunately, I spent over $700 dollars before I came to my senses. This was my hard and expensive lesson. If you believe in the God of the bible as I am, listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit whenever you are being enlightened.

I purchase Office XP over a year ago and had no problems with the initial install, nor the following 2 installs when I purchased a new computer.

Office Updates through MS Update haven't been an issue either.

I guess I won't worry about an impending purchase from them for a much less expensive SW program either.

ok, thats a good thing that you would like to keep a "Knoble Perception" in your mind that your doing the right thing and reporting sites like these. But what nobodys thought about is, The reason Adobe, Macromedia, Decreet, and Others are not chasing these pirates down is that some of the most creative media on the web is made using thier product, Their STOLEN product. The individules making it, probibly couldnt afford to puchase at retail. so, manufactures, they want you to see great product done by their programs cause that is the best advertising out there. Not to mention, its costly to play detective and hunt the pirates down.

These companies have the money to shut down this site. It seems that there is either a reason that they allow this company to continue or they are unaware it is out there. If all of you let the companies and/or he FTC know, then it will be up to the software companies to put these people out of business if they choose to.

Microsoft et al are very powerful and can shut them down in a heartbeat - if they want to and if they are aware that they exist.

Patty

I work in a field that protects their assets like crazy. They go after anyone selling their products without permission and shut down even Billy Bob and his sister Billie Jo. Sometimes all it takes is a letter of intent to sue to get people to stop selling illegally.

This company has been around a long time. There must be a reason these big companies haven't squashed them yet.

It also seems like this is the software version of the old Napster and Morpheus etc.-- file sharing, which is illegal. Although these guys make money off their sharing whereas people sharing files just swapped for nothing.

Napster was shut down and sued and came back legit. But others remain going strong ... until they get snagged.

I wouldn't buy anything from this website. You CAN be held liable for buying bootleg software even if you don't know it is and you can be fined, I believe. I have seen it done with other things that were not the original copyright versions (CDs, DVDs, photos, music, etc.).

Patty