Working inside the automotive industry for as many years as I have, you get to know the tricks of the trade. I’ve seen many shops come and go using deceptive tactics designed to separate the consumer from his wallet. Shops that deploy these tactics pad their daily sales but overtime soon find their own way to the unemployment line. Here are a few signs to look out for before you decide to do a repair.

   Bait and Switch - This tactic is a deceptive way of selling that involves advertising a product at a very low price in order to attract customers who are then persuaded to switch to a more expensive product. In the automotive repair industry, it’s typically seen in the form of advertising inexpensive brake jobs or oil changes. You’re enticed to go to the shop because you think you’re about to get a great deal on an oil change or brake job. Once the shop has your car, you’re handed a huge estimate more than 3 times the price of the advertised special.

   Repair Estimate Scams – This auto repair ripoff scam typically occurs when the customer receives only a verbal cost estimate when he drops his car off at the shop. Once he returns to pick up his car, the final cost is significantly higher than the verbal estimate he originally received. The best way to avoid this auto repair scam is to always request a written estimate and instruct the service department not to make any repairs other than those you've discussed without first contacting you.

   Misrepresentation – Intentional misrepresentation of what repairs are needed is one of the most common automotive repair scams. Unethical mechanics are able to get away with misrepresenting what problems a car has because most people have very little automotive knowledge.

   There is hope if you feel you have been a victim of an auto repair scam. First, make sure you have been scammed. Have your estimate or invoice reviewed by another reputable shop. All shops operate on a labor rates. The labor rate will be different from shop to shop but should be within $10 of each other for a specific geographical area. The prices should be comparable. If you determine you have been scammed, you may find relief by reporting the scam to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This is the governing body over repair shops in the State of Florida.