1. The “Free Diagnostic” That Isn’t

**The Scam:** Many shops advertise a “free diagnostic” or a very low R150 bench fee. But once your device is in their hands, they find a way to charge you R500 or more *just to give you the quote*. If you decline the repair, they slap you with a mandatory, non-negotiable diagnostic fee.

Your Protection: Demand a Clear Estimate Policy

• Always ask for their policy **in writing** regarding abandoned repairs or quotes declined.
• Ensure they offer a **true no-obligation quote** before any physical work begins.
• *Internal Link Spot:* See our transparent diagnostic policy here.

2. Data Snooping and Malicious Downloads (The Privacy Threat)

**The Scam:** This is the most frightening scam concerning **data safety repair shop** practices. Unethical technicians exploit the trust you place in them, accessing your private photos, financial documents, or intellectual property. In extreme cases, they may install malware or “backdoors” to access your machine later, or even copy your data to sell.

Your Protection: The Only Sure Way to Guarantee Data Safety

• **ALWAYS** back up your data before handover and wipe the drive if possible, or encrypt sensitive folders.
• Only deal with accredited and registered businesses that explicitly detail their data privacy protocols.
• *External Link Spot:* Understand your rights under POPIA in South Africa.

3. Claiming the Motherboard is “Dead” (When it’s Just a Capacitor)

**The Scam:** For a MacBook that won’t turn on, a reputable component-level repair shop might fix a simple power fault for R1,500 – R3,000. The scammer, lacking true technical skill, simply quotes a full motherboard replacement for R8,000 – R15,000. They profit hugely on the inflated replacement part and avoid the complex diagnosis.

Your Protection: Ask for Component-Level Certification

A truly expert repair shop, especially for MacBooks, can perform component-level repairs, fixing just the faulty part (like a bad chip or capacitor) instead of replacing the entire logic board. Always ask if they perform component-level work.

4. The Bait-and-Switch: Replacing Your Original Parts

**The Scam:** You bring in your laptop for a screen replacement, and when you get it back, the cheap technician has swapped out your original, genuine RAM or SSD for a lower-capacity, non-genuine part. This is especially prevalent with high-end devices like MacBooks where genuine components hold high resale value.

Your Protection: Document Serial Numbers

Before handing over your device, take photos and note down the serial numbers of key components like the SSD, RAM sticks, and even the battery model number, especially if they are high-end. A **trusted laptop repair Sandton** service will welcome this transparency.

5. Exaggerated Liquid Damage Claims

**The Scam:** Your device had a small spill, but the shop declares it “total loss liquid damage” requiring a full board replacement for R12,000. Often, the liquid only damaged the keyboard or a small peripheral board, an R2,500 fix. They use the fear of liquid damage to justify massive, unnecessary repairs.

6. The “System Wipe” Scam for Simple Virus Issues

**The Scam:** You have a slow machine or a simple virus. The technician performs a complete system format (a quick, easy job) and charges you for a complex, hours-long “deep virus removal.” They also claim all your data was corrupt and lost, eliminating the data safety discussion and covering up their lack of advanced troubleshooting skills.

7. The No-Paperwork, Cash-Only Deal

**The Scam:** They insist on cash payments and refuse to provide a detailed invoice or warranty certificate. This is a massive red flag in **Johannesburg** business dealings, as it leaves you with absolutely zero recourse if the repair fails a week later. No paper trail means no accountability.