I want to ~install~ spyware

I've been working on removing spyware from a client's computer. I have removed the majority of infestations. They are saying now that they don't want to pay for my work and they just want their machine back.

I'm OK with returning the machine to them, but I'm going to make sure there is plenty of spyware on it...just like it was when it came into the shop. (I'm not OK with them not paying, but I'm willing to write it off as a good lesson).

What is the most efficient way to install spyware on a machine, without having to go around to all of the porn sites that this user did?

Thanks,
Rhoads

That's a great way of destroying your reputation, and ensuring you lose work in the future.

You are well within your rights (in most countries anyway) to hold on to the machine until they pay what they owe you (and after a reasonable time, sell it to cover your costs), so why not simply do that?

Uhhmmm... No?

Firstly - cleaning a computer of spyware is just a geek duty. It takes no time and charging someone for that is just... Bleh. Even if you're a company that does nothing but computer support and such, this should be a free service to keep clients coming back.

Secondly - you'll get in deep for installing anything remotely harmful or unwanted on this persons computer. Hell, just posting about the idea that you are considering it is incriminating enough to get you sued.

Thirdly - you learned your lesson - cash upfront, but you're not getting back your pride. Swallow it, move on and make better decisions in the future. Retalliation is not going to happen and deffinitely not from the assistance of anyone here.

I think I got my answer. :blush:

Thanks for your honest replies.

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Originally Posted by si_the_geek

That's a great way of destroying your reputation, and ensuring you lose work in the future.

You are well within your rights (in most countries anyway) to hold on to the machine until they pay what they owe you (and after a reasonable time, sell it to cover your costs), so why not simply do that?

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If the machine went into the shop with spyware on it, and came out with spyware on it. There was no real damage :P.

Although I wouldn't do that... because si_the_geek is right. You can hold onto the machine until the work is paid for. Did you have a contract? If you didn't, well you still have a verbal contract, which would be them bringing it to your shop for you to fix it. Although slightly harder to prove, because with an actual contract they can't say squat, but with a verbal contract they could say you said you would have it fixed in 3 days and on day 4 they just simply wanted their machine, back although you are still owed for your time. No judge would sit there and say "well, you said it would take 3, and you took 4...he doesn't have to pay you anything!"

I would be like "you want your machine back? Pay me the money you owe me. Else I will sell your machine in 7 days, deleting all your files first of course" Trust me after they hear delete and their files in the same sentence...they will see things in a different light.

The problem with that, is that is borderline extortion.... just simply explain that they owe for services rendered. If they don't want to pay, hold the PC in hock as collateral. One of two things will happen: 1) Idealy they will see the light and cave. or 2) They take you to small claims to get the machine back. At which point you counter sue for work done and court costs. Or 3) YOU take them to small claims.

-tg

If you think it is a geek duty, why don't you take a look at prices for it. It normally runs $80 - $120 for spyware/trojan removal.

And the hold period on a system is set in law. I believe you have to hold something 90 days before you are allowed to sell it, but you might want to look into it.

Of course, as a person operating a business myself, i can tell you that sometimes it never hurts to give someone a break, IF you think they deserve it. who knows? maybe they got their property tax bill, or one of them doesn't know how to balance a checkbook and they owe the bank $500. Even worse, they might be getting the system reposessed.

Maybe the stubborn customer will accept 20% off. It never hurts to butter someone up if you ever expect to have them again as a repeat customer. And if they spy-wared it up once, they will do it again.

I would inform the client that the work was allready done and the spyware infection had been removed.

If they pay, all fine - send back the machine.

If they don't pay, format the hard drive and send it back to them.

In both cases you have fulfilled your contract.

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Originally Posted by Lord Orwell

If you think it is a geek duty, why don't you take a look at prices for it. It normally runs $80 - $120 for spyware/trojan removal.

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You run a scan from a tool that's (more then likely) free. Hit a few oks to remove and manually get rid of the ones that didn't get picked up. If I ever heard of someone geting charged $80-$120 for this - I would laugh and without even asking which company; tell them never to use them for anything again.

The best way I could put this is; if I take my car to a mechanic because I don't think I'm getting the best gas mileage and all they do is re-air my tires - I would be pissed if they charged me $80-$120 for that. If anything (and most places do this) - they pump them up and leave a business card or flyer in my glovebox/center console. 9 times out of 10, I bring it to them for my next service.

If you don't offer free removal of spyware then they owe you the service charge. Did you tell them up front that there would be a charge for the work? If so then they owe keep the system as payment if they don't pay up.

well as someone that actually runs an auto parts and garage, i can tell you we don't charge for inspections and air either, but that just isn't the way computer shops operate. Best Buy charges $80.00 for example.

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Originally Posted by Rh0ads

I've been working on removing spyware from a client's computer. I have removed the majority of infestations. They are saying now that they don't want to pay for my work and they just want their machine back.

I'm OK with returning the machine to them, but I'm going to make sure there is plenty of spyware on it...just like it was when it came into the shop. (I'm not OK with them not paying, but I'm willing to write it off as a good lesson).

What is the most efficient way to install spyware on a machine, without having to go around to all of the porn sites that this user did?

Thanks,
Rhoads

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I would not suggest you install spyware on the system as it is unethical and unprofessional.

deleteing their data or openning the client up to a situation where their personal data is compromised is a law suit waiting to happening. the important fact here is you were not able to get all the spyware off anyway.

i have personally seen someone get arrested for holding someone's server password because they did not pay bill and the server was on the computer site.

next time you need cash up front or a contract specificying your terms and payment, so you have something to fall back on legally to hold their computer in hock. Contract is a much better thing, because you will have a signed document that states that you will hold the computer until the is paid.

I do believe spyware removal is a very valued and profitable service. Most places will just lump spyware/virus removal under one service and do a flat rate.

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Originally Posted by Lord Orwell

well as someone that actually runs an auto parts and garage, i can tell you we don't charge for inspections and air either, but that just isn't the way computer shops operate. Best Buy charges $80.00 for example.

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Even you can admit - Best Buy is a horrible business model to compare yourself to...

maybe so but they've saturated the market with advertising and therefore can charge what they want.
Computer stores pretty well start at $40.00 an hour and you have to deal with the equivalent of a used car salesman when you go in there trying to sell you operating system restore, data backup, registry tweaking, etc. This will total you $398 dollars at Best Buy. I am not joking. I just fixed a friend's computer for $25 dollars and Best Buy (where she bought it) wanted $125 just to reinstall the operating system. She's totally computer stupid but managed to handle it herself before i got there. All i ended up doing was explaining how to use MSBackup to make a scheduled backup on boot to her flash drive of important data (basically video game save files)