Over the past few years, we have discussed how to locate a good classic car restoration shop as well as some of the scams that are out there to take your car and money without providing the work that was agreed to. Even now I still receive questions from car hobbyists who are stuck in miserable car restoration projects after they say they researched the shop. One of the statements I hear is that they had checked the restoration shop’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) report as well as Google feedback and did not see anything of concern. Unfortunately researching a car restoration shop takes a more thorough review as most shops do not get negative feedback posted for public view; just positive reports as most people are not reporting shop scams, they encountered at a car restoration shop. Let’s dive into this further to help get more accurate information out into public view.
No one likes to admit they are victims of fraud. It is embarrassing and sometimes that shameful feeling prevents people from reporting the crime. Fraud is a severely underreported crime, even as nearly nine in 10 adults feel people should report incidents. Nearly 40% of Americans still do not understand that victims do not lose money to scams because they are gullible. Victimization from a scam can happen to anyone. These crimes need to be reported, and not let your ego get in the way of reporting fraud or a scam.
Men, like anyone else, may be hesitant to report scams or fraudulent activities by car repair shops for several reasons:
Fear of Confrontation
Some men may avoid reporting shop scams because they fear confrontation or conflict. They may not want to engage in a potentially argumentative or stressful situation with the repair shop.
Lack of Knowledge
Some individuals may not be knowledgeable about automotive repair, making it challenging for them to recognize when they have been scammed. They may attribute unexpected costs or poor service to their lack of expertise rather than dishonesty.
Embarrassment
Admitting that they were scammed can be embarrassing for anyone. Men may worry that reporting a scam makes them appear gullible or foolish, so they keep the experience to themselves.
Time and Effort
Reporting a shop scam can be time-consuming and require effort. Men, like anyone else, may not want to invest the time and energy required to pursue a complaint or investigation.
Prioritization
Some men may choose to prioritize other matters in their lives and view the scam as a relatively minor inconvenience. They might decide that the effort required to report it isn’t worth the potential outcome.
Lack of Awareness
In some cases, individuals may not be aware of where or how to report a scam or fraudulent activity to the appropriate authorities or consumer protection agencies.
Assumption of Isolation
Some individuals may believe they are the only ones affected by a particular scam and may not realize that reporting it could help protect others from falling victim to the same scam.
Resolution
Occasionally, individuals may resolve the issue directly with the repair shop or through a third-party mediator without officially reporting shop scam to authorities.
Finally
It is essential to encourage transparency and reporting of restoration shop scams to protect consumers and hold dishonest businesses accountable. If you have been scammed by a car repair shop or suspect fraudulent activity, consider reporting it to relevant consumer protection agencies, your local Better Business Bureau, or other appropriate authorities as well as online services like Google. By doing so, you may prevent others from falling victim to similar shop scams and contribute to a fairer and more transparent marketplace.
