Consumer fraud in the market for auto repair

Introduction

When one takes their vehicle to the mechanic, all they expect is quality services. Instead, they end up leaving the automobile repair shop with worry written all over their faces. The quality of the work done under the hood of their car may not march quality standards, and they may end up spending on damage caused by the mechanic. In addition, the mistrust between the mechanic and the client is so disheartening. This paper will analyze some of the ways a client can use to ensure he safeguards himself from consumer fraud.

One of the ways a client can protect himself or herself from consumer fraud is by searching for a mechanic with an excellent reputation or a repair enterprise known to sell genuine products and offer reliable services to the consumer at an affordable cost before the car is moved to the repair room. While looking for repair automobile shops, consider a certified mechanic with expertise or skills recognized by the authorities. For instance, the blue seal of certification should be a go-ahead stamp to rely on while searching for automobile repair services within the entire neighborhood. An approval can translate into quality and reliable work. Therefore, certification is one of the hints to help in avoiding consumer fraud in the automobile industry (Friedrichs, Professor O. S. D. O. O. S. p 34).

After evaluating and deciding on a suitable workshop where a car can receive quality repair; one can communicate with the business bureau or a higher authority such as attorney general within the local area. The authorities will inform if the shop is certified or it is just a hoax to attract customers to the shop. If the response is satisfactory, one can go ahead and receive services from the shop. Although the above procedures are vital, the experience will speak louder than reputation and certification from the authorities. Most states a have no specific rules to protect people against consumer fraud. Consumer protect act has sections dedicated to auto repair fraud. Hence, consumers should be careful (Friedrichs, Professor O. S. D. O. O. S. p 56).

Coupled with finding a good reputable shop, one can decide to inspect before the mechanic at the workshop finishes the work. Consumers should learn to know what they are looking for. Being ignorant put consumer at a higher risk of consumer deception. Inspection in forms of test drive helps one to gauge the quality of work done. For instance, while test-driving; one can look for the sound the engine makes. If the music is too hoarse, it may be an assign of a neglected job (Kurvinen, Matti, and Murthy p 145).One can also try to disassemble the repaired parts to see the kind of work done under the hood of their car. Moreover, the repairing authority should come from a third party and not the mechanic. This authority will ensure due procedure and accountability. Isolation and designation of work done is also a good way of ensuring accountability (Borg, p123).

There are actions one should not do while at the automobile repair shop. One of them is allowing the mechanics to start work on the vehicle before signing an inspection form the authorities. A warm smile and a gentle handshake do not get care repaired, but a form formed the authorities showing a type of inspection the car is to under insulate the consumer from fraud that he or she might encounter. Also, a consumer should not allow anyone to speak on his or her behalf. During the negotiation, one can take advantage and add extra charges. Misleading shops usually use an excuse to incur costs whereas the work will remain substandard. Count number information should stay private or driver's license information or any other personal detail that might d fuel consumer fraud. The information should land in the hands of the mechanics after the work is certified satisfactory and no foul play was involved. In short, the repair should require one's signature and a nod from the client and payment should be a separate issue. Finally, yet importantly, the car should be free of personal valuables before the repair. Personal information can expose clients to a danger of frauds and important documents might disappear (Borg, p157).

 

Conclusion

Some of the common swindles in the automobile repair world revolve around replacing authentic spare parts with fake ones. This is the main reason for getting an order of permit to ensure repair takes place in areas authorized by the client. The client is most likely not to notice the fake form the real spare parts .the switch is likely to cause further damage to the car and leave the vehicle unmanageable. If a client realizes that, he is the victim of automobile fraud they can take up the issue with the authorities the sooner the problem is brought to book, the earlier the action taken against the perpetrators. Most, importantly the case can proceed to court, and one can get compensation for her troubles. Therefore, the bottom is gaining information on areas that can expose on to consumer fraud.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Works cited

Borg, Kevin L. Auto Mechanics: Technology and Expertise in Twentieth-Century America. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2007

Friedrichs, Professor O. S. D. O. O. S. Trusted Criminals - White Collar Crime in Contemporary Society. , 2009. Print.

Kurvinen, Matti, Ilkka Töyrylä, and D N. P. Murthy. Warranty Fraud Management: Reducing Fraud and Other Excess Costs in Warranty and Service Operations. , 2016. Print.