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Cheap licence key: the most common scams

There are a number of recurring fraud patterns surrounding very cheap licence keys. Those who know them can spot them in time. Here we show the most common scams, the warning signs and what you can do if you have already fallen for a dubious offer.

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What scams are there with cheap licence keys? We show the most common tricks, how to spot them and what to do if you have already been affected.

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The most common scams

  • The multiply-sold key. One and the same licence key is sold to many buyers. It may activate for the first person, after which Microsoft flags the key as overused.
  • The key from the wrong region. Licences intended for other markets or programmes are sold as regular keys. They can be blocked server-side.
  • The phantom shop. A professional-looking site, anonymous contact details, no response at all after the purchase. The money is gone.
  • The too-good offer. Office or Windows for just a few francs. A price deliberately made too attractive to arouse suspicion.

What you can do if it has already happened

If a purchased key does not work or has been blocked, first document everything: order confirmation, proof of payment, correspondence. Contact the provider, even if there is little hope.

If you paid by credit card or through a payment service, check the possibility of a chargeback. Many payment providers offer buyer protection for services not rendered. In the future, the simplest rule helps: only buy where there is an invoice, reachable support and an activation guarantee.

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Den Händler können Sie selbst prüfen, in zwei Minuten

Wer hinter einem Shop steht, ist öffentlich nachprüfbar: ein seriöser Händler hat eine echte Firma mit Registereintrag und gültiger USt-IdNr., beides einsehbar. Die Herkunft eines einzelnen Keys lässt sich von aussen zwar nicht belegen, wohl aber, ob hinter dem Shop eine fassbare Firma steht. Bei uns geht das sogar live, gleich hier.

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What is the most common scam with cheap keys?

The key sold multiple times. The same key is sold to many buyers. It may activate for the first one, after which Microsoft flags it as overused.

What do I do if the key I bought does not work?

Document everything, contact the provider, and if you paid by card or payment service, look into a chargeback. Many payment providers offer buyer protection.

How do I avoid such scams in the first place?

Only buy from providers who supply a VAT invoice, are reachable, and offer an activation guarantee. These three points rule out most disreputable offers.
About Keywi24

Keywi24 is a Swiss online shop for verified pre-owned Microsoft and antivirus software licences. The team has in-depth market knowledge from over five years of experience. Our goal is not to become the largest licence shop, but the most trusted.

That’s why we don’t invest in marketing hype, but in 90 days of real technical support after every purchase. Legal basis: CJEU ruling C-128/11 (03.07.2012) and Art. 12 para. 2 URG.

Mon–Fri 08:00–18:00 CET+41 800 20 00 07 (free)Live chat response usually <5 min90-day money-back guarantee