Computer Fraud

It seems as if many news stations have covered many stories on computer businesses and fair practices. I couldn’t believe the number of stories I found on You Tube.

Here are a few:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIsQtlQsw6Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru7YASyMKwE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJO4Muh8sbU&feature=related

I was shocked to see how many of the big box stores screwed up and how much they charged for a simple diagnostic fee. Believe me, when I tell you that for most problems Windows has a built in diagnostic feature and you don’t need any special programs to run in. It actually proves the point that the people behind the counter at the stores aren’t really techs at all, but sales people.

I also have the remote assistance up and running. I helped a couple in Lansing recently who had taken their computer to Best Buy. They were told it was cost between $200 and $300 and would take about five days to complete. They called me after hearing about me from a friend. I remotely connected to their computer and cleaned off all the spy ware & malware that was on there. It took about three hours total plus a little extra time for all the scans to complete. So let’s put this into perspective. The first place (Best Buy’s Geek Squad) told them it would cost a lot of money and at least five days before they would get it back. Next, they call me from there home. I connect to their computer from mine and fix it in three hours. They didn’t have to bring it to me, they didn’t have to wait five days and they didn’t have to rip off there arm or leg to pay for it. There total charge from me was $70. I didn’t charge them the full three hours because for most of the repair I just had to give the software time to run its scan to find the spy ware and other infections.

I was also able to help a couple in Iowa. They had some pop-up trouble caused by some spy-ware. I removed that and then found out that they where paying for DSL from their phone company and AOL. They thought they still needed AOL to get online. I was able to show them that since they had DSL the no longer needed AOL. AOL allows people to keep the e-mail addresses and their buddy list-using AIM for free. They used to charge you if you wanted to keep your e-mail address and you canceled their service. But they don’t anymore. I’m not sure what they were paying for their AOL, but I would guess around $25. Its makes me feel good to know that I was able to help them with their problem and help save them money in the long run. I wonder why AOL wouldn’t call them to ask them why they’re paying them for nothing? LOL