BBB Scam Alert: Don’t fall for this parking lot dent repair scam

BBB Scam Tracker (https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/) is getting reports of persuasive strangers claiming to “fix” dents in your car. When getting in or out of your vehicle, stay alert to the following tactics and avoid falling prey to this scam.

Here is how this scam works. A person approaches you in the parking lot of a store stating they noticed dents on your car. It just so happens that they work at a body shop and can fix them for you! They promise to charge much less than what a shop would, and they can make the repairs on the spot while you are shopping. The “repair person” may try to appeal to your altruistic side by claiming that you’d be supporting their small business. If you agree to the repairs, more than likely you will end up with a ruined car exterior. One victim told BBB Scam Tracker: “He was ‘fixing’ my car while I was in the store shopping. When I came out, he had drilled a bunch of holes into the body of my car. He told me it was standard procedure to drill holes in order to pull out the dent. Then, he put a black putty thing all over the holes and told me not to take off the putty until 24 hours later. When I tried to take off the putty, it looked worse than before.” According to the descriptions submitted to BBB ScamTracker, when people questioned the work or the cost of the repairs, the “repair person” appeared to become aggressive and tried to intimidate them. BBB recommends the following tips: How to Avoid Repair Scams. Be wary of unsolicited offers. This kind of scam starts with someone who just happened to drive by and notice the car needed a repair. If you are approached by a stranger in a parking lot offering repair services of any kind, be careful, ask questions, and if they have a business card, offer to check out the company they say they’re representing to see if it is in fact legitimate. Don’t fall for high pressure sales tactics. Scammers will often pressure their target to accept their offer, demand full payment upfront with a statement that the person will never get a better price anywhere else. In addition, they only have time to do the repairs at that moment. High pressure, now-or-never sales tactics are a hallmark of scams. Research repairmen and repair shops before you do business. Look up reviews and business ratings of any repair person or company before agreeing to any service. If you are dealing with an individual repairman, ask for references to call and verify the quality of the work. If a person can’t wait for you to research and compare companies, find someone else to do the job or explain to the imposing salesperson that the problem can be taken care of somewhere else. Alert store security. Be sure to report the solicitation to store management or security personnel. This can ensure that the individuals are asked to leave and save other consumers from falling prey. For more valuable information to protect yourself from scams visit BBB.org/AvoidScams. For help finding a car repair service, see these tips from BBB (https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/14096-bbb-tip-auto-repair-and-service).

If you’ve been the victim of repair scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker (https://www.bbb.org/ScamTracker). Your report will help others stay alert to the danger. Kelvin Collins is president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving the Fall Line Corridor, serving 77 counties in East Alabama, West Georgia, Southwest Georgia, Central Georgia, East Georgia and Western South Carolina. This tips column is provided through the local BBB and the International Association of Better Business Bureaus (IABBB). The Better Business Bureau sets standards for ethical business behavior, monitors compliance and helps consumers identify trustworthy businesses. Questions or complaints about a specific company or charity should be referred directly to the BBB at Phone: 1-800-763-4222, Web site: BBB.org or E-mail: info@centralgeorgia.bbb.org.

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