Illegitimate software eBay.

Timothy-B wrote on 6/28/2021, 9:19 AM

Hi, I am new to video editing and it's related software and have just installed older software in order to get started learning it.

I am older and fixed income and very happy to have been able to obtain an old (but legit) Sony Movie Studio 13 and it has been installed, activated and registered so, no problem there. The problem came about when I purchased Magix Vegas Pro 15 from eBay (it was listed as) and it is some type of Russian "repack" and the software sends you to a "repack.me" website in Russian.

My problems from this are being solved with removal / wipe / fresh install & etc. am only interested in turning this information over to Magix if they are at all interested in it. I have never been through this type of thing before and am only interested in learning to use legit versions as I learn and save up for newest versions. I am grateful for Magix older versions that are legit to learn on as I have a lot spent on my computer and will save back up for newer versions and know more about actual usage so, helps a lot!

There is no number to call and the FAQ / automated type of thing will not allow me to notify Magix about this intellectual property theft so, had to post on here for everybody and can only hope that it will help?? I am looking to get this in law enforcement hands as well. Thanks

Comments

vkmast wrote on 6/28/2021, 10:12 AM

Thanks for your comment. We're sure MAGIX is aware of the problem and trying to prevent it as best they can. On this user-to-user forum we try to remind users that there are lots of cracked/pirated versions offered online. The policy here is that "we do not support pirated versions of VEGAS on this forum".

Former user wrote on 6/28/2021, 11:19 AM

@Timothy-B and keep a look out for Deals with Vegas on a site called Humble Bundle. They are legit and occasionally allow older versions to be purchased. I recenlty purchased V16 for $30 US.

Timothy-B wrote on 6/28/2021, 11:20 AM

vkmast, Thank You for response and I am looking forward to learning more here! I have sent them an email as suggested by another member (provided address) including all info.

Timothy-B wrote on 6/28/2021, 11:25 AM

DougT, Thank You and will do! They may have some as I can learn and keep an eye on them.

Musicvid wrote on 6/28/2021, 3:39 PM

@Timothy-B 

To software developers such as Magix, these popup sellers are like schmoos -- you knock one down and ten more show up to take their place. They, like most forms of fraud, are almost impossible to prosecute. The best thing Magix can do is try to turn the gamers and sk8trs into paying customers.

In the meantime, these discount sellers are legitimate, and come up with some good deals from time to time:

  • Steam
  • Humble Bundle
  • G2A
  • Pinguin

 

Timothy-B wrote on 6/28/2021, 8:49 PM

Musicvid, This eBay seller seems to have given it a rest and has submitted to a full refund to my suprise. After all the determined rudeness failed to dissuade me from just the basic facts of "significantly not as described" I can only guess. As much as I am happy for the "refund" I will gladly forgo it if Magix needed it for some type of evidence (refund in quotation due to cost of system wipe / fresh install of W10).

On a much more pleasant note, DougT and Musicvid, Thank You for the list of sellers, very much appreciated! I had roughly stumbled across Humble Bundle and to a lesser degree Steam, the G2A and Pinguin are new to me. Knowing they are trusted will help greatly as I go along.

Musicvid wrote on 6/29/2021, 3:31 PM

Magix will never pursue it, because they have nothing to gain. eBay, if they receive enough complaints, will axe this guy, or at least his current account. I urge you to lodge a complaint if you haven't already.

Timothy-B wrote on 6/30/2021, 10:22 AM

Musicvid, Now I feel like one of those Liam Neeson movies, me against the russian mob. 😎  Back to serious, I did find the tiny "report this item flag" and did so, if that is what You mean? If he gets it into his pointy little haid to deny the refund I will escalate that also. I am out of options, beyond what I have done since the owners of the software are done with it, I guess. This will be the first really negative, negative review I have ever left for any seller for 12 years worth and will search through options on there for the lodging of a complaint as well.

Now that I have been through some of this, I guess I had thought law enforcement would get involved especially given all the russian stuff, guess not. Glad I had my W10 backed up on another drive!

Musicvid wrote on 6/30/2021, 7:53 PM

If you didn't receive a refund, file a claim with eBay. They'll give you part or all back.

EricLNZ wrote on 7/1/2021, 3:54 AM

Magix will never pursue it, because they have nothing to gain. eBay, if they receive enough complaints, will axe this guy, or at least his current account. I urge you to lodge a complaint if you haven't already.

They might be situated in a country where it's difficult to pursue them, that's assuming you can locate their physical location. And then there's the legal costs of trying to take action. Taking action through the host where they appear such as eBay is probably the only way of trying to deal with them as musicvid suggests.

Timothy-B wrote on 7/1/2021, 2:04 PM

EricLNZ, That seems very likely to be the case here as well and the eBay seller has a following of great reviewers & etc. There is only one reviewer as a negative specific to this "product" and it is basic in nature and buried back in history to dig for. Sellers other items seem perfectly fine and yet continues to pursue it's sale with eBay having just sent me an email to advertise on sellers behalf.

As Musicvid has pointed out at least those who are not happy with counterfeit items can pursue refund and this seller having realized I will stay on track has accepted refund versus eBay case. I am at this point only hoping that no one buys the counterfeit after being warned with my soon to follow detailed negative review after having reported the item (apparently to no avail, yet). I will wait for any process time on the reported item to see any outcome or follow up.