Revenge of the Mouse: Shop Owners Charged
Friday July 11, 2008
Some people will do anything to scam a buck off unwary customers, but a recent California case takes it to new lows. Group Specialist, a repair shop in Redwood City, must have been determined to make it happen, because they have been charged with resorting to dead rodents to initiate the scam. The shop's owners were charged with 56 counts of presenting fraudulent claims after they were reportedly caught planting dead mice in the engine compartments of undamaged cars then telling customers that they needed things like new wiring harnesses due to rodent damage. That means that somebody had to keep a steady supply of dead critters on hand. Can you imagine being the guy that had to stash a dead mouse in the wiring behind the dash? I don't think his ASE certification covered that part of the job. The shop's owners were caught by investigators at State Farm insurance when they saw that their claims for rodent damage repair were about five times the national average. I don't know about you, but I didn't know rats caused that much trouble under the hood. It never ceases to amaze me what dishonest people will do to get your money. You can check out the whole story in the San Mateo Daily Journal.photo of random mouse (not used in repair scam) CC licensed by Pintec
Comments
I work at a dealership that handles two of the big three american autos and rodents can cause all kind of damage. Wiring harnesses, hoses, their urine will corrode steel. Its unreal. Funniest I’ve seen though is a Boxster air box being used as a acorn storage for some squirrel.
I’ve been a licensed mechanic for 30 years & we have seen all sorts of chewed up stuff, both under the hood & under the chassis. Mice love to build nests in warm places & a lot of newer vehicles have covers over the top of the engine. This blocks your view & provides an even better environment for little critters to hide. With the constant increase of electronics on a vehicle it’s an ever increasing problem. Mice really seem to like the smaller wiring for things like injectors. They seem to be more interested in the wire casing & almost appear to accidentally bite through the wire itself. We have seen the undercoating literally clawed off off gas tanks, differentials, & frames from larger animals such as woodchucks as well, & when they get hold of some wiring they really cause damage. In most cases it seems to be in vehicles that come from farm areas, or are parked for a while. The worst cases come from vehicles that are stored in barns for the winter.
I almost forgot to add, that as a shop owner, I would never support or defend the above mentioned shop. I run an honest fair shop & know several other owners that are the same way, but one dishonest shop makes it much more difficult for honest repair shops to be trusted. They should be penalized accordingly.
I’m glad you added that, Greg. Most shops would never even think of something like this. I’ve seen hundreds of great, completely honest shops for every story like this that’s floating around.
I have the best repaire man in ambler tire ambler,pa and he is so honest a a good christian. Thank God some people love us senior citizens
SCAM/FRAUD
Posted by: Charles on 02/11/2008 01:51 PM
Arizona Automobile Association–Ford Motor Co.
1994 Mercury was towed to AAA Auto Repair, Peoria Arizona. on !2-22-06 and was there
until I took it out on 1-2-07. Lorenzo Foster (Service Advisor) is the only contact I had
during this time. We met in parking area on 12-22-06 had telephone conversations and
met again when I picked up car on 1-2-07. The car was never seen by Randy Nowell
(Business. Manager.). The only contact I had with Gary Bons (Ser. Mgr.) was on 1-3-07 with Lorenzo Foster
and I questioned the need for radiator replacement. The conversation lasted less then
three minutes The only decision made was I would receive refund of $201.98 overcharge
on a gallon of coolant. I would have to wait 7-10 days for refund. On 1-8-07 I filed this complaint with Arizona Automobile Association.
COMPLAINT:
In my Inquiry # 18597 to AAA Arizona I said that parts were put on car that was not needed (Radiator).
I was charged for a service that was not performed (Replace Manifold Gaskets).
I can show why I believe that Radiator did not burst.
I can prove gaskets were not installed as engine components were not removed in order to get intake manifold out ..
I would like an honest, competent technician to inspect my engine compartment and I will demonstrate and prove my points. I would like monies refunded to me for these overcharged services.
All I ever wanted from this Auto Repair was honest value and service.
The car is on my carport to be viewed by any AAA Corporate Staff Rep at any time. I am available for any additional information you may want. I would like to expedite this matter as soon as possible so I can get needed services on power steering and engine ignition system.
This complaint was answered on 1-19-07 (10days) later after a brief phone call from Randy Nowell on 1-18-07, At that time I told him the MANIFOLD was never removed from car to install gaskets. ON 1-18-07 I TOOK OVER 40 PICTURES OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO PROVE TO ALL PARTIES
THAT THE SERVICES WERE NOT PERFORMED. I STILL HAVE THIS EVIDENCE.
This is Randy’s answer to my complaint–sent by E-mail on 1-19-07
ANSWER:
Dear Mr. McClung,
Thank you for taking the time to talk with me yesterday. I have interviewed the technician who worked on your car and also the service manager at our Peoria shop and I have reviewed the associated documentation. I am confident that the work that you paid for was both needed, and performed correctly. I want to invite you to bring the car back to our Peoria facility so that the mechanic, Joe, and service manager, Gary, can review with you what was done and explain in detail the procedures used to complete the work. Joe, the mechanic who worked on your car is a very honest, competent, and skilled technician and I’m confident that you will agree with that assessment after meeting him and talking with him about the repairs.
I am concerned that you still have an oil leak, and that you mentioned some other problems with the car and I would like to offer a free inspection and diagnosis of any additional concerns you have as a goodwill gesture. We would like you to be present while we inspect the car for any remaining leaks - that way the technician can also explain and show you what the problems are. You can call me at 602-650-2778, or Gary at 602-308-3017 to make an appointment
On 1-19-07 I filed a complaint with Better Business Bureau asking for help in this matter.
COMPLAINT:
AAA AUTO REPAIR
7422 W THUNDERBIRD PEORIA AZ
PEORIA AZ 85381
Complaint Description:
Problem date 1-2-07, on this date I paid for repairs on my daughters car. After looking over invoice #0000751 I discovered an overcharge of $201.98. I returned on 1-3-07 to repair shop and demanded a refund of this overcharge.( I have documents detailing what transpired in my dealings with this Repair Shop from 12-22-06 to 1-3-07.) I will make these papers/documents available to any and all interested persons. As an AAA member filing a complaint against their employees, how can they honestly represent me? I believe this is a conflict of interests. I would like BBB to act as arbiter in this dispute. I would like to add other material, witnesses and documents as they become available. I will make car available to any and all interested parties and demonstrate my position on this matter.
Your Desired Resolution:
An honest and fair settlement as agreed to by parties after arbitration hearing.
Not getting any help from BBB, I filed a complaint with Arizona Attorney Office asking for their help in this matter.
, 26Circumstances: Brief History: I have a complaint in writing with AAA Auto Repair that started on 1·3-07. Have met and discussed it with Gary, (Ser. Mgr.) and Lorenzo Foster (Service Advisor) Have letter from Randy Nowell, (Bus. Mgr.) who ignored my request. Filed complaint with BBB on 1-19-07. As of this date 1-29-07 there seems to be no response from this Auto Repair. My complaint is that a part (Radiator) was installed that was not needed. I was charged for a service that was not performed. (Install intake manifold gaskets) I can prove this service was never done. I am preparing documents and other evidence to present my case at BBB. (I will send these documents to you in a few days as I feel Auto repair will not appear for a hearing). I am 78 years old. I am credible and knowledgeable in the service, repair and manufacturing of automobiles. This complaint is serious as this is fraud on the part of the Auto Repair. You may reach me at XXXXXXXXX any time if you want more information. Thanks for any help you can give.
After a letter from Arizona Attorney General stating they could not help, however I could pursue this matter in the Small Claims Court.
I filed this matter on 5-1-07 with Manistee Justice Court Surprise Arizona.
Manistee Justice Court
Case # CC 2007081822SC
Arizona Automobile Association (Defendant)
AAA Auto Repair 7422 W Thunderbird Peoria Az.
May 1 2007 Complaint I am suing the AAA Auto Repair for their failure to properly service the 1994 Mercury and return it to me in the condition that met all the terms and conditions of the service agreement (Invoice # 0000751)
BACKGROUND:
I have a complaint in writing with AAA Auto Repair that started on 1-3-07.
Have met and discussed it with Gary, (Ser. Mgr.) and Lorenzo Foster (Ser. Advisor).
Have letter from Randy Nowell, (Bus. Mgr.) who ignored my request.
My complaint is that a part (Radiator) was installed that was not needed. I was charged for a service that was not performed. (Install intake manifold gaskets) I can prove this service was never done.
Any owner of a Ford product can fall victim to this scam that I encountered at AAA Auto Repair, Peoria, AZ. We are led to believe, (owners of Ford products with the V-8 281 4.6 L Engine) that the intake manifold must be removed to install heater pipe on this engine. The manifold is NOT removed as WAS this case on my daughter’s car, a 1994 Mercury Grand Marquis. They disguise this by showing on invoice as “Replace intake manifold gaskets”.
Heater pipe is listed under parts. Invoice shows no labor charge to install. This pipe not visible to owners, so they do not know if it needs replaced. This scam is probably being used in service departments and repair shops all over the country. The removed pipe was replaced September 2005 at Thunderbird Automotive in Phoenix, AZ.
Gary Bons, Lorenzo Foster, Joe W. did conspire and used fraudulent and deceptive methods to make repairs on the 1994 Mercury as I have stated above.
CONCLUSION:
I am asking this court to hold the AAA Auto Repair liable for willful failure to perform in an honest manner and charging me for services and parts not needed and enter a judgment against them.
Therefore, I am asking for a judgment against AAA Auto Repair for the sum of 950.85 as well as the document preparation costs to file this complaint, as well as the court costs and fees, necessary to bring this matter before the court.
A fair settlement from AAA Auto Repair. I would agree to receive all labor charges and price of the intake manifold gaskets not used. AAA Auto Repair would keep profit made on parts.
Being under oath, I affirm I am one of the parties in this action. I have read the attached pleading and find that the statements are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Dated this 30th day of April 2007.
By: _Charles H McClung___________________________
On 6-28-07 a hearing was held, this is the results of that hearing. Dismissed with Prejudice.
Defendants perjured themselves in Small Claims Court. .Case was to be heard by JP. Volunteer Hearing Officer was substituted at hearing. I prepared a written statement to present to Court. I read a paragraph and was stopped ,court would not accept my written statement when offered again at end of hearing.
.Volunteer Hearing Officer dismissed case with prejudice. NO judgment awarded to either party. No appeal allowed in this Court. This case involves FRAUD. I presented many documents to Court prior to court date to prove my case. I feel my case was mishandled by the Court and I did not get due process. Court lasted about 20 minutes…This is not a frivolous matter.
Either a Justice of the Peace or an appointed Volunteer Hearing Officer may hear your case. Any party may object to the use of a hearing officer prior to the hearing date. The court can provide you with a form to make this objection. The case will then be referred to and heard by the Justice of the Peace. ARS 22-506
Letter from Court stated my case to be heard by JP. I had no way of knowing
who was on bench. This was my first time in a courtroom.
My case was # 2 on docket, When I was notified and went in Courtroom he was still working on #1 case.
I did not know who was on bench until I received a copy of JUDGMENT.
I have since found as to why I received no help from BBB.
Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2008 21:01:13 -0700
Principal: Randy Nowell
Customer Contact: Randy Nowell - (602) 650-2778
File Open Date: January 2007
TOB Classification: Auto Repair & Service
BBB Accreditation: This organization is not a BBB Accredited business.
The BBB has requested basic information from this company but has not received a response. As a result, the BBB may not have current information about the company
In Randy’s sworn statement to the COURT he states( Joe Wiley did in FACT remove and replace intake manifold). HOW CAN HE MAKE THIS STATEMENT WHEN NOT EVER SEEING THE CAR??
He further states that RADIATOR was replaced as it was cracked. Again he never looked in ENGINE
COMPARTMENT. (PERJURY?)
Gary Bons tells COURT that I took car to another place before bringing it to AAA AUTO REPAIR. (LIE)
I never approved any of the repairs. Lorenzo Foster, only person I was in contact with at AAA REPAIR SHOP was not present at hearing.
SUMMARY:
SCAM/FRAUD
Ford Motor Company is allowing the use of fraudulent and deceptive
methods for making repairs on heater pipe/tube found on
cars with the V-8 281 4.6L engines since 1992. Labor
charges are based on the removal of INTAKE MANIFOLD.
Pipe/tube is then installed by using method that takes
less time.
This scam is being used in service departments and
repair shops all over the country. I have documents from Ford Techs. from around the country stating that this is the method for R&R of the HEATER PIPE on V8-281 4.6L engine on 1994 Mercury Grand Marquis. ( INTAKE MANIFOLD MUST BE REMOVED)
AAA Auto Repair, Peoria, Arizona ( owned and operated by Arizona Automobile Association) replaced this pipe on the 1994 Mercury using the method that Ford Motor Company FAILED to put in Shop Repair Manuel in 1992. AAA Auto Repair (Randy Nowell) insists they used Ford method to perform this repair operation. I have PICTURES of the ENGINE COMPARTMENT and can prove the INTAKE MANIFOLD was never removed. The pipe was replaced in August 2005 by Thunderbird Automotive
Phoenix, Arizona. AAA Auto Repair performed this repair to “PAD THE BILL”.
It is time that Ford Motor Company addresses this matter and puts a stop to this fraudulent and
deceptive method used in Ford Service Departments. Only then will it end in all other Automobile Repair
Shops.
Arizona Automobile Association (CEO/PRESIDENT) D James McDowell needs to investigate this matter on how AAA Members are treated, take corrective action and compensate me for the ORDEAL that I have been put thru.
I parked my 1985 Vista Wagon for a winter season inside a closed garage in Owosso, Michigan. I was very surprised to discover after just a few months that a squirrel had gotten into the engine compartment, as there was evidence of gnawing on wires, including at least one severed wire. There were several hickory nuts (no tree in the immediate area) setting inside under the hood. They could not have been there before, or they would have rolled off the ledge inside. I barely got the car to run, drove it to a brother in law mechanic who examined it and proclaimed the carborator was rusted due to a hood gasket failure. He indicated carborator would run more than $500, plus any damage that could be confirmed from mice or squirrels… and with that, I scrapped the car, turning it over to him for salvage.
I learned my lesson, not to store a car in a locked garage without decon or other rat poison stored nearby! What an eye opener!