Senior Citizens Beware: Computer Repair Nightmare

"If that was my grandma or grandpa... I would [edited out]" said one person we spoke to about the latest headline and popular story on digg.com and the consumerist.com - Elderly, and the novice, being taken advantage of by big box chain retailers' computer repair service squads or whatever the latest fancy name for fixing your computer troubles.

Serving as a Senior Citizens Beware news bulletin, a consumerist.com reader named Michael wrote in about a computer repair nightmare that unfolded right before his very eyes.

A Staples, Inc. retail service technician suggested over $300 worth of diagnostics, virus removal, and a RAM upgrade to an elderly gentleman. The problem? Grandpa had a loose stick of RAM that was partially ejected. It was safe to assume that the elderly gentleman did not open the PC case, so it looks like someone forgot Computer Hardware 101 at Staples.

Thankfully, reader Michael offered to take a look at the old chaps computer FREE-OF-CHARGE and uncovered the source of the issue mentioned above. Now that deserves a Technology Good Citizen award.

Unfortunately, Staples is taking the beating for what happens in many repair centers all over. One must remember that a single employee's actions cannot speak for the cultural norm of a company, but you may become suspicious when a whistle-blowing article is brought in as evidence like confessions from Staples employees over at consumerist.com.

This coverage serves as no surprise to most consumers. What needs to addressed is some sort of real compliance and standards in this business. To get the ball rolling, an undercover news investigation should take place testing the ethics of the heavily marketed and branded computer service industry.