HitPaw: Predatory Video Software - Malware Risk, Refund Denials, Token Charging Traps, Chinese Spyware Concerns
Updated: January 2026
HitPaw IS a predatory software scam from 36 Reddit comments: (1) Malware risk: users report system crashes, popups, forced installs, suspicious activity (likely spyware—Chinese company), (2) Refund denials: denies refunds even within stated policy, cites 'right to deny' clause despite policy saying refunds allowed within 30 days, (3) Token trap: charges $14 per conversion, 'boost performance' requires buying tokens (another $14+), one 1min video cost $80 total, (4) False advertising: claims features don't work (online kit missing features promised), (5) System damage: users report PC crashes, malware signatures, M4 Mac incompatibility despite advertising support, (6) Deleted files: crashes cause video loss with no recovery, (7) Slow processing: 1min video takes 20+ hours or freezes, (8) Aggressive charges: auto-adds subscriptions without consent, phone subscriptions for photo feature (another $69), (9) Chinese company = data/spyware risk.
Key Findings
What It Is
Real software (HitPaw Video/Photo enhancer products)
Main Risk
Malware detected: users report suspicious activity, popups, system issues
Best Action
DO NOT DOWNLOAD HITPAW
The Pattern
- →Real software (HitPaw Video/Photo enhancer products)
- →Uses AI upscaling technology (legitimate premise)
- →Pricing: monthly subscription + token charges
- →Free trial limited (can't save/export)
- →Full version separates Mac/Windows ($69-99/month)
- →Processing slow (requires token purchases to 'boost')
- →Malware indicators: popups, forced installs, system impact
- →Refund policy exists but company ignores it
- →System crashes common (data loss)
- →Chinese-based (spyware/data harvesting risk)
Red Flags
- Warning: Malware detected: users report suspicious activity, popups, system issues
- Warning: Refund denial despite policy: paid $69/month, requested refund within 30 days (per policy), company denied citing 'right to deny'
- Warning: Token charging trap: $14 to convert 1 minute video, another $14+ for 'boost performance,' total $80+ for short video
- Warning: Crashes: user lost 6-minute video export at 90% completion (data destroyed, tokens wasted)
- Warning: Processing insanity: 1min 20sec video claimed 20-hour processing time
- Warning: False optimization: promised GPU acceleration, only uses CPU (intentional to force token purchases)
- Warning: Auto-subscriptions: user disabled video subscription, found photo subscription auto-charged $69
- Warning: Unsubscribe trap: 5 confirmation prompts, 30-second verification window, designed to prevent cancellation
- Warning: No customer support: ghosted after refund request
- Warning: System infection: suspected malware from install process
What To Do
- 1DO NOT DOWNLOAD HITPAW
- 2Use alternatives: Topaz Gigapixel AI, DaVinci Resolve (free), FFmpeg (free), Adobe Premiere (subscription)
- 3If already paid: dispute with credit card immediately (don't negotiate with company)
- 4If system infected: run malware scan (Malwarebytes, Windows Defender)
- 5Monitor credit card for additional charges
- 6Block HitPaw emails to reduce spam
- 7Report to FTC (unethical practices)
- 8Report to credit card processor (suspicious merchant)
- 9Leave negative reviews on Trustpilot/BBB
- 10Warn others online about experience
What NOT To Do
- ✕Don't download HitPaw (malware/spyware risk)
- ✕Don't buy tokens (trap to spend more)
- ✕Don't expect customer support (they ghost you)
- ✕Don't negotiate refund (chargeback instead)
- ✕Don't trust 'boost performance' (forces token purchase)
- ✕Don't assume processing time is accurate (designed to push you to tokens)
- ✕Don't cancel subscription (unsubscribe trap designed to keep charges)
- ✕Don't accept partial refunds or credits
- ✕Don't use personal credit card (use privacy.com masked card if forced to try)
- ✕Don't download free 'cracked' version (even worse malware)
Copy-Paste Script
Paid $69 for HitPaw monthly subscription. Couldn't save with free trial. Upgraded to full. One 1min video required $14 charge + $14 'boost' token purchase. Processing took 20+ hours. Chargeback pending.
FAQ
Is HitPaw legitimate software?
Technically yes, but it's predatory: malware risk, refund denials, token traps, slow processing. Legitimate software doesn't behave this way.
Will it really enhance my videos?
Maybe, but the experience is painful: slow processing (forces token purchases), crashes losing files, auto-subscriptions you didn't authorize, and poor customer service.
What if I request a refund?
They'll deny it citing 'right to deny' despite showing refund policy. Don't negotiate—chargeback with credit card.
Is it malware?
Suspected. Users report system crashes, popups, malware signatures. Chinese company = spyware risk. Use at own risk.
What should I use instead?
Topaz Gigapixel AI (legit), DaVinci Resolve (free, powerful), FFmpeg (free, CLI), Adobe Premiere (subscription, better service).
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