An interesting discovery

[ForumFriend]

Forum members would do well to look at the latest post on this absorbing blog.  The blog owner (who is also a member of this Forum) has been conducting a series of experiments, the results of which are all very interesting - but this one, perhaps, takes the biscuit!

[jonlewi5]

Well it does look like they are breaking the "rules" OFT set them.

[matt_d]

Unfortunately I think Steve (and the rest of us) will be waiting a long time for a reply from Platte Media. Their "public relations" department seems to have died, probably because they're running scared — unless you'd care to prove us wrong?

This latest evidence shows yet again that Platte will use its software to intimidate and threaten anyone who uses the PC that has become infected, regardless. It's all highly suspect, and smacks of a desperate company trying to extort money from anyone it thinks it can get away with.

As last night's Watchdog programme showed (different scenarios, but similar end result) some people are frightened into paying for things they don't owe. Here we see that, even if the PC owner has knowingly downloaded Platte's software, everyone else will be hounded for money.

I stand by my assertion that not only does this break data protection / privacy laws (in the same way that a doctor or a bank isn't allowed to divulge personal information about a patient / customer to anyone else who might answer their telephone or reside at the same address), but it has the potential to make more money for Platte — imagine if more than one person for the same "Platte account" was bullied into paying — I bet Platte wouldn't refund the money, eh?

This makes me very cross. It also makes me cross that the company has made no effort to defend itself — I can only take this as an admission of guilt, given that it has used this forum almost to excess in the past. At least when Platte's PR department was spouting the same old diatribe you knew that they believed in their business — now it doesn't even seem that way.

By way of proof (though of course they could be reading as a guest), "Platte Media Public Relations" last logged in 41 days ago. In other words, no attempt to continue to communicate with the "customers" it so desperately wanted a voice for in the first place.

Come on, Platte PR, give us *something* to work with. You might have dissolved but we're not budging.

[ForumFriend]

it has the potential to make more money for Platte — imagine if more than one person for the same "Platte account" was bullied into paying — I bet Platte wouldn't refund the money, eh?

The same had occurred to me, Matt.  If anyone reading this forum has suspicions that this might have happened, could they either post here or email one of the moderators?  - Thank you.

[Mouse]

matt_d, in fairness to Platte, I should say that I only invited them to respond to that post yesterday (when I put it up), and that Platte have been getting back to me on the queries I have been sending them recently.  Whether they will be able to come up with a satisfactory explanation is another matter of course.

I suggested the potential for charging on closed accounts several months ago, when I first pointed out that those who terminated their membership online inside the trial period would still receive bills until they had been able to access the Platte uninstall tool (which, absurdly, is different from their membership termination tool). Would they risk their (very profitable) business by doing so?  Maybe someone should test this to resolve the question?

[matt_d]

Hi,

I understand that, and I don't deny that Platte is working with people individually, but the fact remains that Platte used to bombard us with all sorts of PR on this forum, and yet have not even logged in for over a month, with the last post being on 5th December 2008.

If Platte had always maintained a "no public comment" policy then I might view things differently, but to be so vocal (and legally threatening) and then to fall silent is another.

[Stiffed]

Hello Matt

As you are aware I managed to get rid of the offending icons on the first night that they appeared (Early November 2008) and they have not re-appeared since. Also, I have never given Platte any personal details despite phoning them regarding their "virtual bill!"

Platte are watching as a guest but they cannot do anything unless you give your personal details to them or reveal them on this forum.

They cannot get your personal details from your IP address. Your IP address relates to an area around you and not to your particular PC. Do not even divulge your postcode.

So, as I have said before, if you have not made any contact with this filth... clear them from your computer (which is pretty easy) and then forget about them.

By the way, during my involvement with this forum I have noticed the absence of any meaningful action or even comment from the OFT, Trading Standards or any MP that may have been made aware of our plight.

Matt....Is the LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN having any effect yet that we do not know about? Or is too early?

I personally have had no replies from any of the above. I am not really bothered about this (as far as I am concerned Platte have gone) but I am concerned about the other victims on here that have given personal details and are continually being harassed by this despicable scum.

My advice to them is "Do not give in.... do not pay!! Let them come to your door to get their money!!"
Don't worry... they will not come!!
It's not worth Oriel's time for £25.00.

[SwampyUK]

hi guys

Thought Id just let you all know.
Im waiting for my MPs secretary to phone back with an appointment date to see  RUTH KELLY (MP).
I explained what it was concerning, her secretary said quote " mmmm thats very naughty of the company I will pass it onto Ruth the next time shes in her surgery ".

The secretary said she would phone me the next time Ruth Kelly is back up North, when thats going to be is anyones guess......

I hope its bloody soon

I might phone again tomorrow to find out when shes back up here, with her busy workload and other goverment issues it might be a while before I hear anything or get a chance to see her.

I`ll keep you all posted..................

Steve
 

[ForumFriend]

Yes, please, Steve, do keep us posted.  If there's any help we can give in preparing for that meeting, don't hesitate to say, either here or by email.  It's an important opportunity to put the case against Platte so its important to be well prepared and to keep a cool head.

Can you let us know if/when you get a date for your appointment?

Good luck!

FF