Mechanics often get cast as a shifty bunch out to make easy extra money by preying on unsuspecting, uninformed customers. It's unfortunate for the many skilled, hardworking, honest mechanics out there who do important work to keep us all safe on the roads. 

But the stereotypes and cautionary tales exist for a reason; as with any industry, there are some unscrupulous people out there who take advantage of easy marks and cash in on fraud and scams. And auto repair fraud happens to be the leading type of consumer fraud complaints. 

Sooner or later we all need to have our vehicles serviced. And if you don't know much—or anything—about cars, you're at a major disadvantage at the auto repair shop. Also, plenty of dishonest folks out there consider seniors to be prime targets. 

A little information, preparation, and self-advocacy go a long way in preventing you from getting ripped off, and even from driving around in a potentially dangerous vehicle. 

Common Types of Auto Repair Scams 

Most of the fraud committed by mechanics falls into a few categories: 

  • Padded bills – Extra charges, extra labor time, or higher charges than cited in the initial estimate may appear on bills
  • Fake repairs – Mechanics may charge for “fixing” something that was never broken; sometimes, victims are lured in by “great deals” on basic maintenance like oil changes, brake inspections, or checkups
  • Cheap parts – The shop may install low-quality, used, or counterfeit parts and bill you for new, more expensive ones
  • Cutting corners – Mechanics may perform quick, shoddy, or even no work while charging for more than was done 

It's worth noting that the latter two aren't just about the money—they can put you, your passengers, and other motorists and pedestrians in real danger. 

Protect Yourself 

In its September 2015 newsletter, the AARP Foundation ElderWatch urged seniors to take steps to safeguard against getting scammed. The organization issued some of the following advice, and we've included some additional tips. 

Research First 

Never blindly choose a mechanic. Get recommendations from people you know and trust. Then, research the places they refer you to online. Check their standings with the Better Business Bureau and read some customer reviews. 

Follow Your Nose 

Check out the auto repair shop when you get there. Is the customer service area clean? Are employees friendly, professional, and helpful? Do the tools and equipment look modern and well cared for? Is there another customer waving a bill around and yelling at a mechanic about being ripped off? 

Get It in Writing 

It's a classic piece of advice that holds true in so many situations. Get the estimate for parts and labor charges in writing. If they say certain things are covered under your warranty, get it in writing (and review your warranty). If they tell you they provide free towing or cars on loan, get it in writing. Whatever it is, get it in writing, and get it before you authorize anything. 

Ask Questions 

Be assertive when talking to mechanics; they are the experts and you are paying them. If you don't understand something, ask about it. If they tell you something needs to be rushed or otherwise done at a higher-than-standard rate, get a good explanation for why it's necessary. And whenever possible, find out whether unplanned repairs can wait so you don't have to make decisions on the spot. 

Waiving/Recovering the Deductible Is a Red Flag 

If the mechanic talks about this, go elsewhere. The shop may, for example, suggest installing a used part and billing your insurance carrier for a new part, passing considerable savings on to you. This is insurance fraud. It's illegal and a good indication that this is a generally unscrupulous place of business. 

Get a Walk-Through of the Repairs 

Have the mechanic show you exactly what was done, where new parts were installed, and even ask to see your original parts that were replaced. They should be willing and able to give you a thorough accounting of what was done and why, and point to visual evidence in many instances. 

Get an Explanation of Higher Charges 

Assuming you followed the advice above, you got an estimate in writing that included parts and labor. Make sure you get an invoice that details all charges, and if the final bill is higher than the estimate, insist on knowing why. The mechanic should have a thorough explanation for the all additional costs, as well as why they were necessary. 

Bring Someone with You 

Again, we seniors are frequently targeted by scammers, and women are more often targeted by dishonest auto repair shop employees operating under the stereotypical assumption that they don't know anything about cars. But whatever your gender, if you aren't mechanically inclined or knowledgeable about vehicles, it's so easy to be taken advantage of. If you have a friend or family member who knows more about such things, bribe them with lunch and bring them along.

We'd like to give special thanks to Bob Mager, AARP Foundation Colorado division, volunteer fraud fighter for providing us with the necessary insights to write this article.