computer repair
hacking
misdiagnosis
overcharging
shops
stealing files
technicians
trading standards
Can You Trust Your Computer Repair Man.... I Mean, Really Trust Him?
By Darkwing
@Darkwing (21583)
July 22, 2009 3:42am CST
After all... we're not anywhere near as clued up as they, when it comes to a problem with our computers. So, what do we do? We give up on the computer and take it to a repair shop, or a computer buff to have it fixed.
Well... next time you need technical help... think very carefully about whom you trust with your machine because Sky reported, about an hour and a half ago, that a lot of computer repair shops have been exposed for charging for parts which weren't needed, charging for non-existant work where a problem was easy to fix, and hacking. Indeed, one particular technician was caught stealing personal photographs, log in details and passwords and storing them on a memory stick. Then, he proceeded to try to log into the customer's bank account, spending five minutes doing so. But, because the details installed were faked by a surveillance team and Sky, he was unable to do so.
This was quite a clever move by the Trading Standards Office in the U.K., to investigate six computer repair shops, to track their technicians' activities during repair of a personal computer. Surveillance software was loaded onto a brand new laptop, then Sky engineers then loosened the connection of the internal memory chip, a fake, simple fault which would have taken little time for a technician to diagnose. The cameras that were loaded, operated without the user being aware and every move the technician made was recorded on the computer. That was in one, particular shop... the worst offender of the six, where five of the six watched shops were guilty of either tampering with personal information or overcharging for non-existant work.
The Trading Standards office are appalled by the discoveries. Of course, the technicians denied all, but they were caught on camera... smiling as they hacked, even. It's disgraceful really, and Trading Standards are looking to enforce some law whereby repair shops are prosecuted if proven to hack or tamper with machines, or for misdiagnosing and overcharging for non-existant faults.
So, who do you trust with your computer? Would you think of, or could you even afford to fit surveillance software, including a camera, and if you did, would you really know what had taken place? I probably wouldn't and the repair men know this, so it goes on, and is becoming more widespread. How do you protect your information online... do you take precautions, like differing you name, address, date of birth or some personal information, from site to site? I do that, and I very rarely put my real picture up. So many people give their real names and personal details on Facebook and MySpace, and are so easy to track. Think twice in future... protect your computer which costs you to repair, and could lose you all your worldly savings. I use Paypal, and I use it securely, and in seven years, have not... touch wood... had any problems with monetary dealings. But, I'm always alert to what's going on in my Paypal, and I always check that I'm on the legitimate site. My password is strong, and differs from any other I have online.
That's my protection... what's yours? Are you secure? Be safe, my friends... there are some bad azz people out there! Think twice about where you take your computer to be repaired.
8 people like this
19 responses
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
22 Jul 09
Well thank goodness I have never had to take mine in and hope I never will, as sometimes I think it is just as expensive as buying a new one
But I have to admit that I think and have always been suspicious of this sort of thing even with TV's and that
Anything that is not being repaired in front of your eyes you can not prove that they did what they say they did
I have to say though with a Computer/Laptop it is very dodgy as all your Personal stuff is on there and if you are not able to clear that before you take it in then yes I guess they can do a lot
Love you big Hugs xxxx
@jazzsue58 (2666)
•
22 Jul 09
He sounds like he was honest - just telling them how easy it was for a DISHONEST trader to do it.
3 people like this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
22 Jul 09
That's right, Sue. He told them the programmes they needed to keep their computers more secure.
That was before he got into repairs, by all accounts, Gabs, so it wasn't to make more money. I don't have any qualms about taking my computers to him because a) I got a good deal, and b) he was straight down the line with me.
2 people like this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
22 Jul 09
That's good my friend. It's nice when you have somebody whom you can trust. I feel for the immobile and those on their own who get hacked and lose their lifeline. It must be a bit of an ordeal for them, especially if repairs are too costly.
Brightest Blessings and thank you for your contribution.
2 people like this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
22 Jul 09
I have an Apple, I go to the genius bar and they fix my computer. Yup, I trust them. I also store nothing on my computer that could be a problem; that is what flash drives are for.
If Apple continues to maintain this standard of service, i will never buy another manufacturers computer,
2 people like this
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
• United States
23 Jul 09
Thanks, my friend, for the alert.
Being here in the US, they did not show us
this report about ripping off computer owners.
But, I don't doubt that it happens.
Many times repair men in our country, have been
exposed for over charging people to have refrigerators
and dish washing machines fixed and such.
So I would guess that it would be possible for them to do
the same thing for a computer.
It's a very scary situation.
In the past five years, I've burned through half a dozen
new and used computers.
Most times, my computer simply refuses to wake up and turn
on one morning.
After that, I just buy another used computer and don't
worry to get it fixed.
Cause as you mentioned, there are precious financial details,
passwords, bank info, personal photos, documents, records, etc.
on the old broken computer and sending it to a repair shop
would expose that to a potentially unscrupulous person.
And, how do you know ahead of time who is scrupulous
and whom is untrustworthy?
Really, you can't know.
As you say, it's better to lead a safe and secure
life where you take precautions ahead of time by not
relying on common passwords and not storing important
details on the computer.
As for me, I have found great success erasing private details
off my computer using Comodo System cleaner.
That's not an advert or anything, just something that I use.
It's free and a real life saver.
Before I go online, I use that little nifty software
to erase my tracks online and then have very few popups.
I've had zero viruses since I began using it, cause it automatically
flushes temp files that usually contain the viruses before they can
install or harm your computer.
It even fixed my registry when my computer was freezing
and acting weird.
For me, a firewall is standard as are anti-virus software
and spyware removal.
But taking the extra precautions, would make me feel more
secure.
@Darkwing (21583)
•
23 Jul 09
You're more than welcome my friend. Yes, I'm sure it does happen at least as much in the States and I have reason for thinking that. A friend of mine, in the western States, received a hefty bill for a new computer. He banks online, and his bank account had been hacked. They tracked the hacker down to Florida, and proceeded to make enquiries. I'm not sure what became of that enquiry, but I'm sure there was no computer involved and that the bank would have paid the monies straight to the hacker. It was a lot of money, and my friend was devastated at the time, but that's just an example of what can happen if you're not very careful with passwords, payments, banking, emails and downloads.
I use similar security processes to the ones you use my friend, and to date, I've not have an excessive amount of problems. This discussion and your contribution will, I hope, help those who are not so aware, or those who rely on their computer for a social life, such as housebound people who live along. Thank you for your contribution my friend, and Brightest Blessings.
That a computer repair man, who is in a position of trust, can do such a thing, is pretty scary, and I'm really glad that I know mine personally, have done for several years and I trust him. He always gives me a good deal, looks at my computer initially in my home, and explains exactly what is wrong with it and what he can do to put it right. He also gives me a very good deal, so I have no problems with letting him take my computer away, to fix.
@gitfiddleplayer (10362)
• United States
22 Jul 09
Those creepy techies can find out everything they want about you, and more. Your passwords are important and you should change them periodically. I've had to take mine to get it fixed and you have to place some trust in the people who will work on it. I've used Geek Squad and they seem to be professional, at least that's how I felt about them.
2 people like this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
23 Jul 09
Yes, they can and your advice to periodically change your password is good... in fact, some sites suggest that you do, or even remind you to do so.
It's good that you've been able to find a company whom you feel you can trust. Even better, I feel, if they initially test the computer whilst you're there, so that you can see the fault and they can explain what they need to do. I think it's important to have a good, trusting relationship with anybody who's going to be delving into your computer.
Thank you for your contribution, my friend, and Brightest Blessings.
@Citychic (4067)
• United States
23 Jul 09
Can you trust your computer repair man?
Well I feel like I can trust mine because I know who I'm dealing with but you make some very valid points here and all the information that you've given is very good. Security is everybody's business and we each have to take proper precautions to be as safe online as well as off. Happy mylot!
2 people like this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
23 Jul 09
Yes, I trust mine too, but there are obviously those who can't be trusted, and I hope this discussion will help some of those people online who have had problems with security and such.
Yes, we should all take precautions but there are some people who are extra vulnerable. Those who live alone, senior citizens and immobile people who rely on their computers for a social life, and who can't afford hefty repair bills. The computer is their lifeline, and if they lose that, what else is there for them? I despise hackers who prey on these people and make their lives a misery, which is one of the reasons why I started this discussion. I just hope it helps some.
Brightest Blessings and thank you for your contribution, my friend.
@GardenGerty (157598)
• United States
22 Jul 09
Due to a problem on our laptop a year ago, we have stumbled upon a young man with a small shop that we will use should we need help again. My son is pretty techie, and we are very cautious with downloads so we have only needed that kind of help one time. This young man was the third "expert" we visited. Most were just interested in selling us a new laptop because ours was "outdated". Forget that, it works fine for what we do. We are cautious with our passwords. PayPal password is changed often. I do not do online banking, but do some bill paying.I have reported lots of scams and phishing trips, though.
2 people like this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
22 Jul 09
Yes, I've reported lots of scams from both Paypal and EBay. They never send for personal details in email... always on site. The best one was from the NatWest Bank, one of our main High Street banks over here. It wasn't on letterhead, the spelling was atrocious and the grammar even worse... guess where that one went! lol.
I don't open anything from banks, building societies, Paypal or EBay. They all go straight in the bin. You seem to have found a good repair man there, but they're not always easy to find, my friend.
Brightest Blessings and thank you for your contribution.
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
22 Jul 09
When I have had to I take it back where I bought it.
to the best buy Geeks.
sometimes I do think they did something to one of my programs for I cant get into some of the window things I did get into and have no back up cd to put code in fro it was built in the puter when I got it and had no cd with it at that time.
its like when I send Pics to A friend of ours and they are big! Icant do the thumbnail one.
1 person likes this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
23 Jul 09
It might well be that some of those programmes you were using were a threat to your machine and that the security they put in, won't allow them through. That's not a bad thing, my friend, unless you're having popup problems or something.
As for the pictures... mine were like that for a long while but now I have Beta Incredimail, they seem to be sized to fit the email better, and I can send more in one mail than previously. If you can't get thumbnails, and they're still big, then it probably has something to do with your browser settings.
Brighest Blessings and thank you for your contribution.
@cloudwatcher (6861)
• Australia
2 Sep 09
I am not at all techno and I know absolutely nothing about computers. I know one program - MS Publisher - inside out, back to front and upside down, but that is the extent of my computer knowledge. All my design work, books, manuals etc are done on Publisher.
When I first started using a computer, many zonks ago, my brother-in-law advised me to use a small computer shop owned by one of his friends. I have done so ever since and they REALLY look after me. They have often called at the house to fix a problem and haven't charged me. They are always willing to give advice. They use all top brands and they sell them to me for well below the cost at other shops in town. I have bought printers of a different brand from the ones they sell, but they are always able to order one for me at a lower price than the cheapest in town.
On the other hand my sister took her computer to another store and was told she needed a new hard drive. It is a long story, but when she eventually took it to "my man" it was found the hard drive her man had installed was a second hand one and still had the previous owner's medical records, photos and personal data on it. She traced the previous owner who had been told his computer was had it and was sold a new one.
I am so very thankful for my computer shop and the staff there. They look after me and yes, I trust them.
@Darkwing (21583)
•
30 Sep 09
Well, well! A happy day indeed to find one of my dearest, long-lost friends back here and in my discussion. I've missed you, Cloud.
Yes, it's a good idea to let somebody fix your computer whom you know. I fear computer repairers are similar to garage mechanics; always "on the make". With a trusted friend, however, you always feel secure in the knowledge that they will give you a good, honest deal, just as both your friend and mine do.
Thank you for your contribution my dear friend, and welcome back. Brightest Blessings, always. x
@laglen (19759)
• United States
22 Jul 09
Actually, I am very fortunate. My brother does this for a living. He creates anti-viruses and does tech support for local cities. When my computer gets sick, I take it to him. He replaces what ever is broken and it only costs me an apple pie (must be homemade). He builds computers for the whole family. Our kids had their own computers since they were about 5. He always trolls the internet for sales on equipment so even his cash paying clients get the best prices.
It is a shame when people try to hustle other people. What comes around goes around....
@Darkwing (21583)
•
22 Jul 09
You're the apple pie of your brother's eye then, my friend. That's great that you have a computer whiz in the family. I think I could get used to that.
That's quite true, that what goes around, comes around. They will get their come-uppance, I'm sure, but in the meantime, they hurt a lot of people who rely on the internet for their social contact, merely because they can't get out and about.
Brightest Blessings and thank you for your contribution.
@arkaf61 (10881)
• Canada
22 Jul 09
We should always be very careful, and that's a fact.
For most things we usually can figure it out between me and hubby. I don't remember when it was the last time that we did have to get someone to repair any of our computers. But sometimes we really have to. And when we do, it's important to be very carefull. I prefer to pay a bit more and have someone come to fix it in my home. While he/she is there I will pay attention to everything that is being done. Ask questions etc.
That can help a bit.
Of course another good idea is not to keep certain things in the computer itself. Photos, personal information etc.
I have my photos and personal things in disks or flash drives. But there is still a lot that some unscrupulous person could get from my computer.
I have a friend that says that I am a computer safety paranoid, but she is always having trouble with her computers and I'm not LOL
@Darkwing (21583)
•
23 Jul 09
I think it's better if you can have somebody fix your computer on site. At least, as you say, you can see what they're up to and watch for the memory stick being inserted. It's worth the extra payment, I feel. My guy is local, so he comes to the house first, but I trust him to take it away to actually fix because he shows me the problem and explains what needs to be done, plus he has better facilities in his own home, for repair work.
Backup too is good, as you can just put in the CD and get them up any time you wish, but there are a lot of things that are saved to the hard disk and even if you do copy them off, they stay there. Besides which, the more senior members online, and the immobile, who only know how to actually get onto the internet and socialise, will probably have problems with downloading onto CD and anything technical. I feel these people are the hardest hit, and I really feel for them because their whole social life is on the computer.
It doesn't hurt to be a computer safety paranoid. At least you're aware of the slightest problem and it's better to check out a minor problem than ignore it and get stuck with a major virus.
Brightest Blessings and thank you for your contribution, my friend.
1 person likes this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
24 Jul 09
Yes, it helps if you have somebody there who knows what the repair man's doing or talking about. I'm lucky, as I have a guy in the village whom I've known for some seventeen years. He comes first to my home, so I can see him testing it. Then he explains everything very clearly and what he needs to do to put things right. He charges realistically... reasonably in fact, and I trust him to take my computer away and do the work required. Then, he brings it back, switches it on and asks me to test it whilst he's here. I'm very lucky in that respect, but there are those vulnerable people, like the ones who live alone and can't get out of the house, or the elderly. I think it's despicable when hackers pick on them, and they get overcharged for repair work. The computer is their lifeline and their social centre.
Brightest Blessings my friend and thank you for your contribution.
@maggiesunjuan (554)
• China
23 Jul 09
I agree with you, DW, when our hard disks are out of our sights, the only thing that we can count on is the technicians' own sense of morality. That's really dangerous because we put all trust on them, but it is so hard to tell that the technician we trust will always be reliable. You just expressed your worries on being over-charged of some non-existant work and being stolen of privacy. If one thing has to happen, I'd love to choose the former. Nowadays, people have great curiosity on others' private information, especially like the technicians who have professional knowledge on mending things including people's private information. Once the information be occupied, the photo maybe downloaded and made into all kinds of amusing ones, or credit card passwards could be traced and money could be stolen, any type of crimes could happen. That's horrible.
I don't know whether you've heard of the notorious event of Naked Photos of Hong Kong actresses, the original photoes were spread by a computer technician. That's so horrible, it's true that the public-imager should never take those dirty photos, the behavior could be criticised, but stealing and spreading other's photos is a definite crime.
I agree with you, everyone who tends to use computers should always be careful. There are always eyes there.
1 person likes this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
23 Jul 09
It's sad to say but all of what you've said is quite true, and I really feel for those who have little knowledge of how the computer works and its dangers, but have to rely on it daily. The people I speak of are the elderly and immobile citizens, whose only contact with the world is online, because they can't get out. They rely solely on their computers especially those who live alone, and fall prey to high charges and pilfering by repair men and hackers. It's a sad world when the hackers have nothing better to do.
Brightest Blessings my friend and thank you for your contribution.
1 person likes this
@maggiesunjuan (554)
• China
24 Jul 09
I'm really sad for those who can't get out and only rely on computers, so my hatred to those thief technicians and hackers grows much more. They should be shameful for their sneaky conducts! They should go to hell.
@jazzsue58 (2666)
•
22 Jul 09
I'm lucky - my daughter's new boyfriend owns a computer repair business, so I trust him to fix my PC at home (though I don't always trust him with my daughter!
2 people like this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
22 Jul 09
Ha ha ha... as long as he doesn't want to check out her software, you're ok, my friend.
As for the computer; if he fixes it at home where you can see him, then there should be no problem anyway. You're lucky to have him around, I'd say.
Brightest Blessings and thank you for your contribution, my friend.
1 person likes this
@danishcanadian (28953)
• Canada
23 Jul 09
OK not all people who repair computers are men, but I know what you're saying. In the case of the guy who repairs mine (and he is a guy) I guess I can definitely trust him, since I married him. LOL My husband has been doing good things to computers for years, and he's a complete pro at it.
1 person likes this
Well yes... one would hope you can trust your computer repair guy. In fact, what with being a Computer Whiz and a Master Chef, you seem to have it made, my friend! 
@khayshenz (1384)
• United States
22 Jul 09
My computer repair man is my cousin - and he usually works on it when I'm there with him "helping him." Then he tells me which parts we need - and we go to the store together to buy the parts. So, yes, I trust him because he does everything in front of me. Plus, he doesn't charge! As long as you take him out for a free meal - my conscience is clean in terms of paying him.
He's very cool when it comes to family fixing their computers.
1 person likes this
@whizkid08 (715)
• India
23 Jul 09
For me, I prefer to first check the components myself, just so that I can repair it myself. And in some severe case, I would call the Service desk for some repair person.
It has happened to me many times, when the person repairs the PC, or looks into the Control panel or System32, I carefully watch if he's taking any cookies out of the Temp folder. Also, I never allow him to install any software for testing purposes as these tech guys can really put you into the soup!
And yeah, keeping strong passwords is a noobish protection for all those "Deadly" hackers!! Even a crappy keylogger would send out all your passwords!
1 person likes this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
23 Jul 09
You seem to have your security covered my friend, but there are those who are not so computer wise and who are vulnerable to these computer hackers. These are the senior citizens who know how to operate, but not how to track problems as they were never taught; the sick and immobile people who can't leave their homes and rely on the computer as their daily, social life, who live alone, and need the security of their computer. It's so sad when these people are struck down.
The likes of you and I, and I guess the majority of computer users, have some idea as to how to stave the hackers, but even then, they manage to bypass security at times. Then comes the repair man, who is nothing but another hacker in some instances, obviously. So how do these immobile and elderly people cope? They probably can't afford a hefty bill, but they send their computer to a repair shop or have one into their home, and they're at his mercy. It's sad that these things happen and imperative that the vulnerable people know it happens and learn ways to combat the hackers. I'm hoping this discussion will help them.
Brightest Blessings and thank you for your contribution.
@Jennyleen (249)
•
23 Jul 09
Nope I dont trust computer repair man lolx.. but i trust my friends, long friend..:) repair man..^_^
1 person likes this
@grace118224 (1038)
• China
23 Jul 09
Yeah i really trust my computer repair man because it's my husband who acts as my repair man . i totally understand what you worry about. In fact it did happen to someone that the repair man stole something as the account number, some private photoes . We should watch this up if we do have sth important in our computer.
@Darkwing (21583)
•
23 Jul 09
Yes, it does need watching, and you and I trust our computer repair guys but I feel for those who live alone and can't get out of the house, and the elderly citizens who don't really know much about the technicalities of computers. They can ill afford expensive repair charges, and their computers are their lifelines to the world. They need to be able to contact their friends on a daily basis and are lost without the social side of the computer. Unfortunately, these are the people that hackers prey on most because they're more vulnerable. It's a despicable thing to do really, and a heads up for them, doesn't do any harm.
Brightest Blessings and thank you for your contribution.
