When you computer is on the fritz, you may be very desperate for instant repair. You go to Google, Bing or Yahoo and the term computer repair results in thousands of options. Many web only computer repair organizations have very impressive websites and offer rock bottom prices. The problem is, you have no way of knowing where these companies are operating from, who the people are behind the screen, and what kind things they may be doing on your computer in the background.

Most remote computer software allows the technicians to do things you cannot see. While they may advertise you can watch everything the technician is doing, this is simply not the case. While most of these companies are legitimate, they often use remote technicians operating out of their home or worst yet in a third world country call center. Also, many of these organizations perform no background check on their employees. So be very careful when considering these companies for solving your problems.

Many computer repairs can be performed remotely but the fact is, it is not the case for all of them. In other words, after paying $39 to $199 for a remote fix, you may still need to take your computer in for further repair.

POINTS TO CONSIDER:

1. Many good local computer repair companies offer instant remote support to clients. They might be able to help you today and still follow thru with a hardware repair if needed.
2. Call the company and ask them where they are physically located. If they avoid answering the question, this should be a big red flag.
3. 3. Use a company which provides verifiable domestic mailing address. A P.O. Box in Anytown, CA can mean the company is hiding or not operating from a legitimate place of business.
4. Even if they seem to have a local address, you should use an online map service like Google maps to see what other companies use the address. Many nefarious companies will rent a private mail box in a mailbox store to appear more legitimate.
5. Don’t simply believe a local phone number means they are local. With voice over internet, companies in third world countries are able to get local phone numbers. Also, just because they have a toll free number, doesn’t mean they are local.
6. Companies which seem to offer local support everywhere are likely using local computer technicians on a contractual basis.
7. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Companies which seem to offer the lowest price are mostly offering the lowest service. Pay now or pay later truly applies. You don’t want to more than once for the repair, so shop around and avoid low cost providers.
8. Read BBB reports on the actual BBB website. Many companies throw the BBB logo on their website and have a history of complaints or no experience with the BBB at all. Angie’s List is also a great place to look for reviews.
9. Look to see if the company is a member of a local Chamber of Commerce. While this by itself does not indicate legitimacy, it goes further to verify they are a real business.
10. Don’t provide your credit card number to anyone in a chat window. Make sure the website you are providing payment information has a valid, trusted website certificate from a reputable company like VeriSign.

When in doubt…Check them out!