One of the most common auto repair shop scams, and also one of the most dishonest, is charging for work that was simply never done.  It’s not complex a scam, however it happens more times than you’d think and it costs your wallet far more than it should.

If you suspect that a repair shop or mechanic has charged you for a repair that wasn’t performed, the best course of action is approaching the shop about your concerns.  You should never be afraid to ask questions, especially when it comes to your car, money and safety.  Here are a few tips on what to ask your mechanic if you’re concerned that you may have been ripped off.

Ask to see what has been done to your vehicle.  Ask your mechanic to pop the hood and show you what they worked on.  Find out if you were you charged for any new parts.  Then, ask to see them if so.  Don’t be scared to ask to see the steps they took to replace anything.

Ask your mechanic to save your broken parts.  If you were charged for a new part and the labor to replace it, there’s no reason they shouldn’t be able to show you the old one.  Compare it to the new part to be sure you got what you paid for.  This is one of the best ways to verify whether or not a shop is being truthful with you.

Ask other mechanics.  Before you go to the front desk of the repair shop, poke your head around back and ask a random worker what they did to one of the cars today.  If there are any dishonest practices at work, chances are not everybody is in on the overcharging.  This may sound sneaky, but it’s a definite way to find out if the shop or mechanic is truthful.

Always feel free to ask as many questions as you need to, in order to feel comfortable.  If the shop or mechanic is being truthful with you, they should have no problems answering you.  If you sense dishonesty, then it might be time to seek out a new shop.

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