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FTC issuing refunds over Office Depot, Office Max "PC Health Checks"

Posted at 3:45 PM, Feb 20, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-20 15:47:22-05

BALTIMORE (WMAR) — In the past, did you ever take your computer to Office Depot or Office Max for a free "PC Health Check," only to hear that it had malware symptoms?

If so, you may soon be getting a refund.

On Thursday the Federal Trade Commission said it's sending checks to more than 541,000 people, who may have been tricked into buying additional services between 2009 and November 2016.

The FTC says many customers received false malware scan results, making them feel as if they needed to purchase additional computer diagnostic and repair services to fix the problem.

On average, the refund will be $63.

All checks will come with an explanation and details about the case.

The FTC says it will never require a fee, or ask for information like a Social Security or bank account number. If someone says they’re from the FTC but asks for money, it’s a scam and can be reported here.