Feeling taken advantage by someone - computer related

bonnielu · ‎03-11-2010

I am feeling rather foolish, at this point. I like to help people out and am known for giving people hundreds of chances to do the right thing. People like me are often taken advantage of. Just needing some advice right about now. Many mixed emotions.

Simple story, met a young person 15 or so years ago working at a local office supply store. He seemed honest and he fixed my simple computer when we brought it in for repair. Store shut down computer repair division so he was out on his own. He contacted me and it has been a long time "fix it relationship." He had become our go-to fix it guy. We literally treated him like a son, even shared milestone events with him. His services and price point may have been okay. I never made a comparison.

Overtime he seemed to push us to use his services at higher and higher rates, however. And he would stay long hours which would obviously add to the hourly cost total. More push at us to buy and use his services. He was convenient and I wanted to continue to be his mentor I guess for a lack of a better word.

Well it all came to a head yesterday. He is and always has been kind of moody, but he seemed overly frustrated, took it out on me. Did not do what I wanted after paying him big bucks and forgot to do essential things to MY NEW COMPUTER that he talked me into after mine died, He lashed out, accused me of not paying attention to what he was doing. At my house for over 7 hours. I even fed him. Another person was at the house doing minor handyman work who needed my attention and help to lift shelves. He was an older gentleman with health issues. The computer guy in the past did not want me looking over his shoulder so I figured leave him alone, let him do his thing.

Bottom line when I went to use the computer essential programs were missing. I guess I feel betrayed. When I called him to finish the job, he was rude, unfeeling and full of himself. He did not want to spare the time to make it right. And I was the one he blamed

I do believe price-wise and time-wise I was taken. I am now researching others in the area as long as I pick up the computer and bring it in. I guess I may have answered my own question.

However should I let him know. Should I just let it go and ignore him totally forever. What would you do. Make it known to him or just go away.

pattypeep · ‎06-06-2011

That's sad, but I would think to myself "lesson learned" and just look away. He probably is well aware of his shortcomings.

Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea-Robert A. Heinlein

Peaches McPhee · ‎04-19-2010

No need to "make it known to him". He already knows. I am sorry this has happened to you . . . it is hard when trust is betrayed. Give him the space he wants, and go to someone else for your computer needs.

-- pro-aging --

Rochester, New York

Tzu4u · ‎04-19-2010

I am so confused by this. there is nothing you need done on a new computer except to hook up your internet and printer and turn it on. this does not take an hour.

Find a local computer class and learn how to do these things yourself. You are being taken advantage of. Computers are not hard, There is no higher level of intelligence you need to use and keep your computer updated.

If you want to use a computer, learn how to take care of it. How to set up internet, install and uninstall software, hook up a printer. How to install and update your security. How do clean and update files.

This is not rocket science. In fact, it is easy. it just means you have to learn how to do something new. Just like driving a car, learning to type, learning to sew. Actually, I find my sewing machine harder to set up and adjust than restoring all of the files on my computer.

Saying all of this, I would take your computer to a reputable computer store and have your new computer restored to factory settings. Who knows what this kid has done to your computer.

Good luck.

Silverandgold · ‎03-10-2010

On 2/23/2014 Wadzlla said:
I am so confused by this. there is nothing you need done on a new computer except to hook up your internet and printer and turn it on. this does not take an hour.

Find a local computer class and learn how to do these things yourself. You are being taken advantage of. Computers are not hard, There is no higher level of intelligence you need to use and keep your computer updated.

If you want to use a computer, learn how to take care of it. How to set up internet, install and uninstall software, hook up a printer. How to install and update your security. How do clean and update files.

This is not rocket science. In fact, it is easy. it just means you have to learn how to do something new. Just like driving a car, learning to type, learning to sew. Actually, I find my sewing machine harder to set up and adjust than restoring all of the files on my computer.

Saying all of this, I would take your computer to a reputable computer store and have your new computer restored to factory settings. Who knows what this kid has done to your computer.

Good luck.

ITA. Nothing takes all those hours & needs multiple visits. When you are paying hourly, buyer beware. He was playing you & it does hurt when you put trust in someone. Please try to put it behind you & not wrestle with shoulda, coulda. Get past it & realize lesson learned. Good luck to you.

jackthebear · ‎03-11-2010

On 2/23/2014 Silverandgold said:
On 2/23/2014 Wadzlla said:
I am so confused by this. there is nothing you need done on a new computer except to hook up your internet and printer and turn it on. this does not take an hour.

Find a local computer class and learn how to do these things yourself. You are being taken advantage of. Computers are not hard, There is no higher level of intelligence you need to use and keep your computer updated.

If you want to use a computer, learn how to take care of it. How to set up internet, install and uninstall software, hook up a printer. How to install and update your security. How do clean and update files.

This is not rocket science. In fact, it is easy. it just means you have to learn how to do something new. Just like driving a car, learning to type, learning to sew. Actually, I find my sewing machine harder to set up and adjust than restoring all of the files on my computer.

Saying all of this, I would take your computer to a reputable computer store and have your new computer restored to factory settings. Who knows what this kid has done to your computer.

Good luck.

ITA. Nothing takes all those hours & needs multiple visits. When you are paying hourly, buyer beware. He was playing you & it does hurt when you put trust in someone. Please try to put it behind you & not wrestle with shoulda, coulda. Get past it & realize lesson learned. Good luck to you.

ITA,

coldlake · ‎03-25-2010

I would also suggest that you change all your passwords--everything including your router--to passwords that you've never used before. Don't use birthdates/pet's names or anything obvious.