Tech Rip-Offs

As a nonprofit, your tech budget may be tight (or non-existent). But don't let desperation lead you into a bad deal.

A recent article from The New York Times warns consumers about scams that use cheap technology as the lure.

Targeting consumers with low incomes or poor credit, these scams "do not spell out the details clearly, refuse to offer cash refunds to people who change their minds, and often deliver products much later than promised — or in some cases, not at all."

When purchasing discounted hardware, always buy from a reputable company, do some comparison shopping, and read the fine print. "Apart from deception or poor service, the more basic problem is the financing: consumers often end up paying two to four times the market value of the product," the article notes. "Many may not realize how inexpensive low-end desktop and laptop computers have become."

Have you experienced getting a tech "bargain" that backfired? Share your experience and share tips for avoiding tech rip-offs in our community forums.