Philadelphia Repair Shop Fraud Lawyer
Consumer Protection Lawyer Assisting Clients with Repair Shop Fraud Claims throughout Philadelphia, PA
When you take your vehicle in for repairs at a mechanic shop in the Philadelphia area, you should be able to expect that the repair shop will be honest with you and will give you a fair deal. However, repair shop fraud can happen. You might plan to take your car into the mechanic for an oil change and some minor adjustments, and the next thing you know, you are being told that your car needs immediate and costly repairs. Maybe you agree to those repairs, but maybe you take your vehicle to another mechanic only to learn that you were being deceived.
To be sure, repair shops can make untrue or misleading statements in order to convince a consumer to pay for unnecessary repairs. This is just one example of repair shop fraud. If you believe you have been the victim of fraudulent practices at an automobile repair shop, you should discuss your legal options with a Philadelphia repair shop fraud lawyer.
Pennsylvania Law Prohibits Deceptive Acts and Practices at Philadelphia Automotive Repair Shops
Under Pennsylvania law, it is illegal for automotive repair shops to engage in unfair or deceptive acts or practices. In other words, consumers may be able to file a claim against a mechanic business that engages in repair shop fraud. The Pennsylvania statute makes clear that repair shops are prohibited from making statements, either directly or indirectly, that are known to be untrue or misleading. Examples include stating some of the following:
-
That repairs are necessary or desirable or that repairs are not necessary or desirable when such is not, in fact, true;
-
That a vehicle is in a dangerous condition or use of the vehicle may produce harm to the customer or that a vehicle is not in a dangerous condition or use of the vehicle may not produce harm to the customer when such is not, in fact, true; and
-
That repairs have been performed on a vehicle when such is not, in fact, true.
The law also states that it is prohibited practice for a repair shop to charge customers for repairs that the customer did not authorize in writing. In addition, repair shops are required to inform customers of their options with regard to repairs, and repair shops must return parts to customers upon request after repairs or replacements have been completed.
There are numerous other prohibitions and requirements designed to protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, and fraudulent repair shop practices. A consumer protection lawyer in Philadelphia can analyze the facts of your case to determine whether you may be eligible to file a repair shop fraud lawsuit.
Don’t be a victim of repair shop fraud!
When you take your car to a repair shop, it is imperative to:
- Request a write-up of all repairs the shop intends to do on your vehicle;
- Get written verification of the initial estimate;
- Don’t authorize them to do any work you don’t understand; and
- When in doubt, get a second opinion.
Contact a Philadelphia Repair Shop Fraud Lawyer
Philadelphia residents who have been victims of repair shop fraud should know that they have rights. Consumer protection laws exist to protect people from fraudulent business practices and to help secure remedies for consumers who suffer financial harm as a result of deception.
If you believe you were the victim of a repair shop fraud scheme, you should learn more about your options by reaching out to a Philadelphia repair shop fraud lawyer as soon as possible. Contact Louis S. Schwartz and his team at ConsumerLawPa.com to learn more about how our advocates can assist with your claim.
