Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

Safe to exchange my broken PC?

Sep 19, 2016 2:15PM PDT

I recently purchased a refurbished PC on Amazon (Windows 7). Worked great for a month, but now it won't even turn on. The vendor on Amazon apologized and offered a refund of exchange.

Question - is my identity safe if I send this computer back?

There are no personal files on the PC, I only used it for web browsing (including web email and online banking).

Any input would be great - thank you!

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Answer
While it should be fine. If you worry.
Sep 19, 2016 2:53PM PDT

Then you have to consider pulling the HDD to wipe it clean.

- Collapse -
ask vendor before pulling drive
Sep 19, 2016 3:00PM PDT

ask the vendor before pulling drive or they could claim you caused the problem that caused your computer not to turn on and refuse refund.

- Collapse -
Answer
generally safe
Sep 19, 2016 2:58PM PDT

it really depends on the vendor. did you use autologing for your sites? did you use any type of password manager? to be safe, change your passwords on everything, including your email and banking sites.

- Collapse -
Answer
Risky
Sep 19, 2016 10:36PM PDT

I would not return the unit before pulling that hdd and wiping it.
If the merchant won't allow that then at least change your bank account numbers and your e-mail addy before returning the unit.

- Collapse -
Answer
Safe
Sep 23, 2016 11:38PM PDT

I think it's safe. As you said that you don't any personal file there. And the vendor is offering a refund after a whole month. So, I guess you can trust him. Just told him to sign you out from the emails. I'm pretty sure he will help you.

- Collapse -
Answer
But what about your browser cache?
Sep 24, 2016 3:58AM PDT

If you haven't set the browser to clear the cache on exit or weren't using a secure browser window, there could be some of your email and banking information in the cache. if you do regularly clear your cache or use a private browser window, you only need to worry about what you were doing in the last session before it died.

If you get your browser to remember logon details or passwords (never a good idea for banking sites) then those details may still be recoverable.

To be safe, contact the vendor, who seems to be taking a responsible approach and ask if you can either remove or wipe the drive before you return it. And if he does replace the machine, ask him to transfer your drive to the new machine, unless the drive is the problem, of course.