What can a consumer do if she pays a mechanic to fix her car, and they replace the wrong part, while charging her for a different part?
Some mechanic shops charge a consumer to replace a part in their vehicle, while just repairing the part, or not even touching that part, and attempting to repair a problem through other means, without disclosing this to the consumer. It is fraudulent to charge for a part that is not replaced. The consumer should first ask for a written estimate that describes what you have asked the mechanic to repair. The estimate should include a price for parts and labor. Ideally, it will list the parts to be replaced. Then the consumer should be in the habit of asking the mechanic to give him back the old parts before paying for the repair, and taking back the vehicle. Also, if the consumer states that he/she is going to want the old parts back after work is performed before authorizing the work, it may prevent this fraud from occurring. In the event that a repair is conducted, and the mechanic cannot produce the old part(s), and then an expert mechanic acknowledges the fraud, the consumer should contact The Consumer Law Group at 804-282-7900 immediately.