The Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado has received calls from consumers about a mobile computer repair company called Advanced Computer Systems. According to reports, owner Donald J. Brown (also known as Joe Don Brown) is being hired to either repair computers or install firewalls and other protective software on consumers’ computers. Instead of providing this service, Brown is installing a password that blocks the consumer from accessing his or her information.

Consumers we have heard from are saying that even if they are fortunate enough to get their computer back from Brown, which many of them do not, those computers that are returned are encrypted with a password that blocks access to all information.

The Cascade, Colorado-based company also does business under the following names: Advanced Mobile Computer Repair, DJB, Pueblo Mobile Computer, Tri Lakes Mobile Computer, Advanced Computer Repair, Mad Mountain Productions and Springs Mobile Computers.

According to the BBB of SC’s files, this company has an unsatisfactory rating and a long history of complaints.

Advanced Computer Systems has been the subject of investigation by the El Paso Country District Attorney’s office, which has a number of complaints on record.

We have several victims that are willing to speak to the media about their experience with Mr. Brown’s company.

As always, we encourage consumers to call the BBB of SC at 719-636-1155 before doing business with a company and to check the company’s reliability report on our Web site at www.bbbsc.org.