Tom Horne doesn’t become Arizona’s new attorney general until January, but he has already announced that he will be conducting undercover “sting” operations at automotive repair shops. According to the article, “Classic rip-off schemes include working without proper certification, charging too much for repairs and convincing customers to pay for repairs they don’t need.” Horne will also be searching for shops that give lowball estimates.
Below is the article as it appeared on the KNXV-TV, ABC15.com website.
AG’s office to crack down on car repair shops
By Rudabeh Shahbazi
11/24/2010
PHOENIX – Weeks after an ABC15 investigation on potentially deadly vehicle dangers, future Attorney General Tom Horne has pledged to crack down on shady auto repair shops.
Classic rip-off schemes include working without proper certification, charging too much for repairs and convincing customers to pay for repairs they don’t need.
“I think it’s an excellent plan,” said Darren Anderson, who came to 3A Automotive Services for a second opinion. “Because when we take our vehicles in to be serviced, we’re kind of at the mercy of whomever we’re taking it to.”
Anderson paid $800 less than his first estimate.
“I would have been out of a lot of money at a tough time of year,” he said.
“There are lots of shops that will hire anyone with a toolbox,” said 3A owner Jim Alauria, whose business is AAA approved and accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
Alauria says he thinks the plan is a good idea, and says if “it doesn’t make sense,” ask for a second opinion.
To read the entire article, visit the KNXV-TV, ABC15.com website at http://www.abc15.com/dpp/money/consumer/ag%27s-office-to-crack-down-on-car-repair-shops.