So, similar problem to other people. I want though to highlight what amounts to sharp practice and I would imagine possibly defamation of my character.
I am an amateur video maker, I have Pro CS 5.5 because my Adobe Elements snarled to a stop over time as my windows computer updated.
I have happily used CS5.5 since 2011. It is still working perfectly. I kept with Adobe at the time as I needed software that could open my old projects which was tricky back then with other software. Yesterday (2 September) I got the Adobe messages warning me my software was counterfeit.
I went on live chat.... one operator, manager and senior manager later, they all accused me of having a counterfeit product. I have nothing of the sort. I located my seller receipt from 2011 and still have the box with its Adobe marketing leaflet inside and user instructions/warning.
I offered to send them photos of the box and contents so they could check. I also sent them the email from Adobe confirming registration of my product with the serial number they now told me is fake. Yes, the software dates back a while but it was expensive and so I have more than paid my share of licence dues.
What a disgusting way to treat a customer:
1. assuming guilt without proving it. Contrary to UK law at least.
2. refusing to check my product or statements.
3. undermining my character by accusing me of buying counterfeit software.
4. being dishonest about true motive of this ploy ie subscribe to the updated cloud version.
They lectured me on how I had been duped by the seller. Not true!
They ignored the fact that the serial number had been successfully registered at the time of purchase.
I said it was a cynical, greedy ploy to get a new subscription which they more or less admitted to eventually before going back to their accusations.
The call centre is in India. I am sure the individuals are delightful people. However, they have been given a script to stick to and have not received proper training in customer service. Their inflexible, robotic response just made matters worse.
Adobe make good products. However, like many big companies they have become too greedy, complacent and blatantly dishonest in their dealings with customers. The customer is a nuisance. My first task of the day therefore will be to find another software package, preferably with a smaller company who will be more responsive to me if I have a problem.