Updated (2024-09-27):
While searching how to report this issue to Software Mackiev, I found this page on how to get the 2024 update for free, on THEIR site, in the support subdomain:
https://support.mackiev.com/747822-Free-Update-2422-for-FTM-2019
It has a link for the download, which is also on their site, and which has a form to fill out to verify your name, email and previously purchased version. I filled it out with fake info since I don’t have FTM yet, and it said couldn’t find my purchase, and offered 2019 version for $29.95, and I can upgrade for free (later).
So it HAS been released?! The “coming soon” page still says “arriving soon”…
—End of update.
(Post date: 2024-09-26)
Software Mackiev’s server was breached.
“Among the details leaked to the public-facing internet were email addresses, geolocation data, IP addresses, system user IDs, support messages and technical details.”
Original report: https://www.wizcase.com/blog/mackiev-leak-research/
I have bad news for anyone who “pre-ordered” the “family tree maker software” from mackiev [.] pro, it is a clone site, not the true owner of the software. (link deactivated for security)
The owner of that clone domain is hidden. The fact that people have received phone calls from someone with a “heavy accent” trying to get access to their computer to install the “family tree maker software” has all the markings of the “tech support” scams from call centers in certain Asian countries that have been discussed on YouTube scam-baiter accounts and cybersecurity sites from cybersecurity experts.
The owner of both familytreemaker.com, which forwards to mackiev.com, the true site for Family Tree Maker, is not hidden, it shows:
Domain Name: MACKIEV.COM
Updated Date: 2021-11-11T09:36:17Z
Creation Date: 2000-01-10T16:13:34Z
Registrant Name: Software MacKiev
Registrant Organization: Software MacKiev
Registrant Street: 30 UNION WHARF # 31
Registrant City: BOSTON
Registrant State/Province: MA
Registrant Postal Code: 02109-1202
Registrant Country: US
Registrant Phone: +1.6172276681
Registrant Phone Ext:
Registrant Fax: +1.9999999999
Registrant Fax Ext:
Registrant Email: jack@mackiev.com
Registry Admin ID:
Admin Name: Minsky, Jack
Admin Organization: Software MacKiev
Admin Street: 30 Union Wharf
Admin City: Boston
Admin State/Province: MA
Admin Postal Code: 02109
Admin Country: US
Admin Phone: +1.6172276681
Admin Phone Ext:
Admin Fax: +1.6172273495
Admin Fax Ext:
Admin Email: jack@mackiev.com
Registry Tech ID:
Tech Name: Vyrlanovich, Alexander
Tech Organization: The Software Mackiev
Tech Street: 30 UNION WHARF # 31
Tech City: BOSTON
Tech State/Province: MA
Tech Postal Code: 02109-1270
Tech Country: US
Tech Phone: +1.6172276681
Tech Phone Ext:
Tech Fax:
Tech Fax Ext:
Tech Email: vpcadmin@mackiev.com
This seems to be the latest released update on the true site.
This is the information about the “coming soon” release for FTM 2024, on the official site.
I have also found other domains that show up in a Google search ABOVE the true website “mackiev.com”, such as familytreemakerhelps [.] com, treemakerhelp [.] online that seem to be scams along the same line.
If you are in the US and have been the victim of any of these pre-order or tech-support scams, or any other scams, I recommend collecting any emails, website addresses (URLs) and phone numbers, and reporting them to:
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The IC3 is run by the FBI and is a place to report cybercrime, including website scams. Analysts will forward the information to the appropriate authorities based on the incident’s impact and nature.
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You can report fraud to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You’ll need to provide evidence, and the FTC will share it with law enforcement.
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Your local law enforcement
If you are not in the US, please search for a place in your country to report this type of scam.
