Have you ever been duped by a car repair scam? It seems like every day, one pops up somewhere, usually targeting people who have recently bought a used car or even if they have one sitting in their driveway. The scam usually involves taking your car to what seems to be a legitimate repair shop, only to discover that the technician never performed any work on your car, you received bills for services you never required, or he received payment but never performed any work. If you’ve been a victim of these scams, you’re not alone. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission received more than 15,000 complaints in 2017 about auto repair and maintenance scams.
Car maintenance scams are common and are only expected to increase in number with the recent rise in vehicle repair and maintenance requirements. Sometimes you are able to fix the issue yourself, as long as you are armed with knowledge and the right equipment and protection (if you need to get your hands on some safety gloves they got cool stuff Unigloves for you to check out), you may be able to get it fixed yourself. But don’t just jump right into it, you may need the assistance of a car expert to keep your car ticking over. So why do so many people fall for these scams? Many simply want quick and easy fixes and don’t realize that a shady mechanic can charge a lot of money while also damaging a vehicle.
Here’s how you can Avoid Car Maintenance Scams:
- Be Cautious when Calling Someone Out
To avoid being victimized, listen carefully to the voice on the other end of the line. If the mechanic tells you that he will “fix it for free” or “give you a discount,” be wary. These are red flags that tell you that the person is likely trying to take advantage of you. If the mechanic refuses to give you a quote before he does the work, leave immediately.
- Be Careful with the Services Offered
In today’s society, it’s nearly impossible to avoid scams. Scams exist everywhere, car maintenance included. Car maintenance scams happen when individuals or companies prey on unsuspecting motorists by charging for unneeded services. One of the most common service scams is advertising reduced rates for oil changes. Once they opt for such changes, the motorist might realize their tires are bald, and their car engine is overheating in no time at all.
- Go to Service Centers and Observe
The first and most important thing to remember is that you should never accept an unsolicited or unannounced repair visit. Some shady types may suggest odd maintenance appointments or outright tell you that you need work performed on your vehicle.
- Get an Estimate
If you want to save money on car maintenance, you should get an estimate from reliable mechanics in your city. This way, you can compare the cost of maintenance at different service centers and choose the most apt option.
- Stay Away from Scam Artists
Many users have reported being scammed by unscrupulous car mechanics. If there’s a mechanic who tries to overcharge you or tries to pressure you to agree to work right away, that’s probably a sign of a scam.
- Get Repair Work Done at a Genuine Dealership
Any individual seeking car repairs should first visit a reputed Auto Mechanic Service provider to get their repairs done. The chances of getting into a scam with a reputed mechanic are highly unlikely. No doubt, the internet is chock full of sleazeballs looking to rip you off when it comes to car maintenance scams. However, in many cases, you can spot them a mile away. One trick is to look at their profile and see how many ratings they have. At best, a bonafide business will have many, while shady businesses will have one or two. Another is to read all the reviews. If people say their car took days to fix and wasn’t fixed right, don’t waste your time doing business with them. And if you see the same complaint on many different sites, that’s a red flag.
You already know that a car may break down unexpectedly. That’s one of the reasons why it’s important to have an emergency car maintenance kit with you at all times. That way, you can fix small issues yourself or get help from a professional. However, you may not know that unscrupulous mechanics often prey on motorists who need help. They pose as legitimate mechanics and trick customers into paying for unnecessary repairs that are unnecessary. So, it is very important to be vigilant when you go looking for a car repair shop!