Can computer repair shops steal PC components?

they certainly can!!!!!! what they do is take out good components and replace them with low spec or even faulty parts......i had my pc repaired a couple of years ago and when i picked up the pc they told me they had replaced the sound card.......the pc worked for 3 weeks then failed again.........i went back to shop and they had no records or memory of me being there......then got colleague to have a look and he said that although my pc was only 9 months old.....i had 3 years + parts.....also was screws missing.......not all these guys are bad but you will find the cheaper shops are the dodgey ones..... ... more

If you are taking your computer to a repair shop then chances are you aren't too hot with computer hardware, and if you're not too hot with computer hardware then that immediately makes you vulnerable for them to do a bit of swapping and 'borrowing'. Not to say it will happen, just I'm sure it does happen occasionally. Just make sure you know what you have in your PC before it goes to the shop, and check what is in it at the end. UV markers pens might be a good idea. If you're unsure/suspicious of any 'repairs' they've made then phone a knowledgeable friend to come and assess the situation (probably best to get a knowledgeable friend to try and fix it first). ... more

Sounds like an urban myth to me i.e unlikely to be true.Most PC bits and pieces are not worth enough to be really worth stealing.If they pinch something they're going to have to replace it with a similar but maybe cheaper component or the PC will not work on return.There again unless you have very high end components in the box this cannot be worth anyone's while.If you are still worried the only thing you can do is to open the case and list each of the components by model and serial number and check the box again when it is returned. ... more

Go to a good computer shop. The good ones arent going to steal from you. I know I have never stole from anyone at my shop. ... more

they can replace ur stuff with old components and you wouldnt even know about it.i shouldnt really think a big shop will do that tho unless its a local guy in a white van or something. ... more

The same question arises in any repair system from cars to televisions! If it's possible do it yourself or a mate who knows what he's doing and has a reasonable knowledge of the subject! Not only that some repair bills are ridiculous for what they do! ... more

take a few photos of the insides typically its the freelancers that are more likely to steal parts than actual shops because you know where they are ... more

First of all, make sure you go to a reputable business for your computer repair. A well stocked shop wouldn't have much to gain by stealing a 2nd hand graphics card. You should always make sure you list the componants inside your computer. Mark them with an ultraviolet marker and take down any seriel numbers or refrence numbers on the cards. ... more

yeah just check everything before you give your computer to them check everything and when you get it back check everythings there when you get it back and if something is missing say something ... more

Cowboy ones do. There was one the telly before where they downgraded the memory to a lower amount and kept the higher amount that was already in there, hoping you wouldn't notice. Most shops are fine, just make sure you go to a reputable one. ... more