A post like this will pose no threat to any legitimate businesses...so the fact this is flagged down almost daily should be considered concrete evidence that there are disreputable companies/individuals who do not want you to know the truth about bogus Computer Repair scams. Those who flag, complain and make postings in vain attempts to discredit this posting are the exact people that you need to be concerned about. Unfortunately for them, their actions only server to bring more attention to this issue.
This is meant to inform consumers of the danger of hiring UNLICENSED, UNINSURED, and UNQUALIFIED individuals to perform maintenance and repair on your personal or business computers. Computer Service business owners are required to obtain Business Licensing just like ALL other business. It is ILLEGAL to operate and advertise ANY business if the operator is not properly LICENSED to offer such services. Unfortunately, 85% of the Computer Services advertisers on Craigslist DO NOT posses such licensing or the proper credentials to be performing such services. Even worse...some are outright scams.
Business licenses are issued by the County Government in which the business is located and are absolutely REQUIRED for a business to legally operate. If you have doubts as to the need for business licensing, I suggest you check with your local County Clerks Office or other agency that is responsible for issuing such licenses in your area.
Why should you be so Careful?
1: Your Safety! Do you really want to risk mistakenly inviting someone like <a href="http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Police_investigate_possible_Craigs_List_robbery_105400058.html" rel="nofollow">THIS</a>, <a href="http://www.swcommconnection.com/news/story.php?story_id=128761681434960000" rel="nofollow">THIS</a> or <a href="http://denver.yourhub.com/Littleton/Stories/News/Crime/Story~888744.aspx">THIS</a> into your home or business?
2: Your Information! Many people keep all types of personal, financial, and medical information on their Home/Business Computer Systems. This can include passwords, user names, account numbers, and even Social Security numbers. When you allow a PC Technician access to your computer equipment, you also allow them nearly unlimited access to that information. Disreputable Computer Services operations are a growing sources of IDENTITY THEFT in the U.S...and in the State of Kentucky.
3: Insurance! If you equipment is somehow lost, stolen or damaged, while in the care of the repair company or through negligence of an employee…a means exist for you to recover your loses. Uninsured, business have no such protection and if your equipment is lost, stolen or damaged, you may simply out of luck
4: Software Piracy! In order to make you think they are giving you an amazing deal on software, disreputable Computer Repair businesses commonly install Pirated Operating Systems and other software on customer computers. Pirated software has been altered or "cracked" so that it can be easily illegally distributed. Such illegal software leaves you venerable to viruses, spyware and other security threats.
Companies/Individuals that offer services at ridiculously low prices should immediately be considered potential threats and absolutely be AVOIDED. These will likely be the individuals who are operating WITHOUT licensing, insurance, and proof of their qualifications. They often advertise as being less expensive than anyone in the area in order to attract customers/victims. ALWAYS ask to see a proper Business License, Proof of Insurance, AND proper Credentials before allowing anyone into your home/business or before allowing them to service your Computer Equipment.
