Who is QBS Consulting LLC

[CaptnMurica]

I was trying to install a new HP ENVY6458e printer. While installing the printer, I got and error message that the installation failed followed with a message to DO NOT try to re-install driver or the printer could be damaged and referred me to a customer support number to call. I called the number and gave permission for the support person to have control of my computer to resolve to issue.  Basically, the support person showed me a full register of malware, adware and possible spyware and claimed that this was the reason for the initial printer set-failure claiming Windows 10 was very sensitive conjunction with Microsoft and they would need to add an anti-malware program at a minimum of $300 for a 3-year support period before they could take care of the printer set-up issue. I have AVAST on the computer and could not understand why there should be any issues but insinuated that AVAST cannot catch the problems.

Basically, the support person showed me a full register of malware, adware and possible spyware and claimed that this was the reason for the initial printer set-failure claiming Windows 11 was very sensitive conjunction with Microsoft and they would need to add an anti-malware program at a minimum of $300 for a 3-year support period before they could take care of the printer set-up issue. I had Norton loaded on the computer and could not under why there should be any issues but insinuated that Norton cannot catch the problems. I had previously added my old 7520 HP printer without any issues. I tentatively agreed to their protection program so I could get the printer problem resolved. it took over and hour for the technician get my printer working but when everything was completed, I  paid for their protection program and felt there was something wrong with the whole situation. It felt like some type of extortion scheme and the support folks were a little angry with me, but they finally relented and they wave $49 tech fee. I reluctantly paid for the protection @ $300+. I called the number provided when the initial attempt set-up my new printer. I learned that the support was by QBS Consulting LLC. Does HP contract out support services? If this so, this company should not be used as a HP service agent. If this company is not a legitimate HP service agent, why does their number show who to contact when having a printer set-up issue? support. Was I scammed by this company??

[Repairatrooper]

Yes, most likely you made an error when typing the address and landed on a scammer site that looked like HP and even made you initially think it was going to install. HP works hard to track down and shut down there scams. I have escalated your post to the moderators and someone may reach out to you to get more information.

[CaptnMurica]

No, I did not type in the wrong address when setting up my HP printer. I'm not the only one, it seem this only happens with ENVY64XXXE printer.  Here's  a little background about me.

1. I use to build websites 

2. I had my own web hosting service

3. I've built several computers for myself over last 20 years.

4. I've owned at least 10+ HP printers over the years and I never had a problem setting these printer up.

It seems that the url (http://123.hp.com) gets redirected to the sammers website. 

I've already contacted my credit card company and they plan to investigate this.

Second, I'm filing a complaint with the Florida Attorney General office this morning (6/3/24), since QBS Consulting LLC is located in Melbourne, Florida.

My advice, HP needs to investigate this problem to determine why is it happening to people who purchase the ENVY64XXXE printers. I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE TO BE SCAMMED WHEN SETTING UP THE NEWLY PURCHASED HP ENVY64XXXE PRINTER. 

HP should've included the setup CD, this wouldn't happen.

[ndegan]

I fell for the QBS Consulting Llc scam, too. $499 for "lifetime" printer support.  Is there any recourse?

My Mac is now saying my printer is offline, with several messages waiting to be printed.  Advice?

Nancy Egan

[CaptnMurica]

Yes, there is.

If you paid with a credit or debit card, contact your bank and explain that you were scammed. Explain that there is documented evidence that others have fallen for this scam; that's what I did.

Next, contact your antivirus provider and explain what happened, then ask if they can do an online check of your computer to ensure that it's malware, spyware, and virus-free. Some antivirus providers will do this for free or charge a small amount. It's worth it.

If this is the same QBS Consulting in Melbourne, FL, I will be filing a complaint with the Florida State Attorney General's office to have QBS Consulting investigated. I'm not sure what state you're located in, but I suggest filing a complaint as well. Here's the link: https://www.myfloridalegal.com/how-to-contact-us/file-a-complaint.

Remember to take a screenshot of the screen and note what programs QBS Consulting installed. Be sure to document everything, including the work your antivirus provider does to remove the programs installed by QBS.

I do hope this helps!

[CaptnMurica]

One other item, give the real HP Support specialist a call to help you with your printer problems. 800-407-4005.  Good luck!

R. Hull

U.S. Coast Guard, (ret.)

[Repairatrooper]

The redirect is odd, I check that website from various computers every week out of  curiosity and have never had that issue. I guess users could be picking up malware somewhere else and that is what happens. Or an ISP's DNS stack has been hacked .

[CaptnMurica]

I haven't done it yet, but I need to go back and check my history for May 31st to see what domain names appear. If I find out how I ended up on the QBS Consulting LLC website, I'll post it here.

[Repairatrooper]

Thanks for being a proactive contributor. The whole scam sites issue is really frustrating because people that have had problems and are frustrated get dragged around again and it damages their opinion of HP, even though HP does spend a lot of time trying to track down and shut down these companies, but there is only so much you can do. The bad guys are getting more sophisticated every day.

[CaptnMurica]

This how the scammers get you. There landing page looks just like a HP landing page.  (See image)

SCAMMERS LANDING PAGE

After a little poking around with the 800 number on the scammers landing page I found this information .  Both 800"s are the same. (see image)

INFO ON THE SCANNER