So is there a catch to this website that sells cheap software

[RagingInMiami]

They are advertising Photoshop CS 2 for $149 instead of the $649 price it costs in the stores. They say it's legit but it comes with CDs only, no books. And I would have to install it within 30 days.

https://www.buysusa.com/

[charlie]

1. I'd stay away

Most sites of that sort sell OEM software, ie, special editions bundled with retail hardware. Like if you buy a graphics tablet, you'll get a free copy of Photoshop Elements or somesuch. Those are invariably marked NOT FOR RESALE. So, from the first step, you're dealing with merchants peddling illegal software.

If that's not bad enough, look at this weasel clause in their TOS:

7a: You are not permitted to duplicate or illegally distribute any product purchased from Buysusa. You agree to abide by the End User License Agreement contained within those products. You assume full responsibility for complying with all copyright laws. All products offered by Buysusa are fully compliant with sec. 117 of the US copyright laws. Buysusa reserves the right to refuse any customer for any reason. You understand that in order for Buysusa to make you a copy (OEM) of any software, you acknowledge that you are the legal owner of this same software, and are looking to just make a new copy (OEM) for archival (backup) purposes only. You also agree to destroy all copies of the software in the event it is ever no longer voluntarily in your possession. You understand that only the licensed owner (with a valid serial number, where applicable) of the various software found on Buysusa may use the services located here. You also acknowledge that the software you have was obtained legally and that you have the legal right to request this backup (oem) copy to be made. If you obtained your version though any other means, including any pirated versions, or if you do not already legally own the same version of the software requested, then you may not use this service. you also agree to hold Buysusa harmless for any damages that may occur for your failure to follow the U.S. Copyright and other laws as they pertain to the backup (OEM software) you are requesting. When you purchase any backup (oem) copy of software through Buysusa, you agree to assume full liability in the event your actions are deemed illegal. Buysusa does not condone software piracy and has every intention of complying with the laws pertaining to the duplication of software. By placing an order for software, you declare and warrant that you are provided all material on an "AS IS" basis, and Buysusa makes no representation or warranties of any kind. All title and intellectual property rights remain those of the respective content owner and any intellectual property protected by laws and treaties, without grant or rights to use, and not to copy or print. Any such documentation, serial number, activation services or material that is accompanying any software or document is provided by Buysusa only as documentation or to ease installation in the event your originals are lost, with no basis of value. The laws of the State of Florida will govern this agreement.

So, not only are they selling illegal software, they're selling homebrew copies. In other words, they're pirates.

If you check out their domain registration, they're owned by another outfit called whoisprivacyprotect, which is (1) one of those empty catchall search pages and (2) the registrant for dozens of other shady enterprises. Here's a Google search of their listed address:

http://www.google.com/search?safe=off&q=PMB+368%2C+14150+NE+20th+St+-+F1+bellevue+washington+98007

Check out all the complaints about fraud, hacking, and spamming that comes up.

These guys are bad news. If you buy from them, you're breaking the law and paying for the privelege to do it.

[RoyGBiv]

2. First problem ...

I hit the website, and the first thing that popped up was an invalid security certificate. It is certainly a scam of some variety, and my suspicion with the security certificate problem suggests a more malicious one than simply selling not-for-resale software.