Ethics of frying computers?

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Posted: Sat Sep 13, 2008 4:02 am

Was having a chit-chat with a fake UN employee, when he started whining about his computer speed (B.S., he was really working overtime in MS Paint to get a fake UN ID card cobbled together). Well, I thought - why don't I teach him how to 'overclock' his computer?
This particular method would increase the clock speed without needing to access the BIOS. You know the little red switch on the back of the 'puter, that says 110/220 or similar? Flip that and you have an instant doubling of speed. Twisted Evil

In reality, your computer gives a sort of Nazgul screech (if my sources are correct) and the power supply dies in a reasonably spectacular fashion. AFAIK, all/most other parts are unharmed. Hard drive, motherboard, etc are fine.

Ethical concerns: destroying (in a second-hand way) the property of an innocent-ish third party. But doesn't the scammer sign a piece of paper saying he's liable for any damage done to the 'puter? At the very least, I would expect him to be permanently expelled from that internet cafe - at best, he would have to pay for a new computer.

My little UN pal was using a laptop, though, so that wasn't an option.

What's the verdict on this plan of action? Ethical or no?

Posted: Sat Sep 13, 2008 4:08 am

Not ethical. If I knew that I was frying the personal property of a lad and his property alone, not a problem. However, it's frowned upon to possibly damage the property of someone else.

Personally, I'd like to see the lads kicked out of the cafes but then again, they're an easier target for the EFCC sitting there.

Posted: Sat Sep 13, 2008 4:08 am

If you told them to hit the computer with a hammer, is that unethical?

They probably have to surrender a credit card or some kind of ID, so they can be held responsible. The cafes need to be more aware of scammers. This would only open their eyes.

You would be telling them to do something that is obviously a bad idea. It is unethical if they have been officially declared mentally incompetent.

Posted: Sat Sep 13, 2008 4:33 am

Flicking the switch on the PSU would attract more than enough attention for the staff of the cafe to know who the culprit is. So I doubt that they would let the lad go without fully reimbursing them for the system.

Still somewhat of a touchy subject though. This is like the abortion of scambaiting.

Posted: Sat Sep 13, 2008 5:05 am

Lads typically use internet cafes, which despite the seeming predominance of lads in them, are still legitimate businesses. Doing what the OP suggests, would harm an independent third party, ITP, which Eater does not condone.

Sending impossibly huge files however, that clog and slow the sytem down, is a lot safer approach

Posted: Sat Sep 13, 2008 6:32 am

What about hitting them with a virus of some sort? Also fall under the heading of 'Destroying Third Party Property?'

Posted: Sat Sep 13, 2008 6:37 am

Unless it's a virus like Ebola, then the answer is the same, do not cause harm to ITPs

Posted: Sat Sep 13, 2008 7:03 am

JDanielsTN wrote:

What about hitting them with a virus of some sort? Also fall under the heading of 'Destroying Third Party Property?'

Well that's kind of different since you, directly, are wrecking their systems without the scammer involved.

Getting the scammer to do it in an obvious fashion would make sure that he pays for all of the damage and inconvenience so that the ITP doesn't suffer a loss.

Again, I don't want to sway your decision because this is a touchy subject which most people on the Eater would disagree with me on. I'm just stating my opinion.