Fraud

Fraud - Theft with a smile.

noun \ˈfrȯd\

1a : deceit, trickery

specifically : intentional perversion of truth in order to induce another to part with something of value or to surrender a legal right was accused of credit card fraud

b : an act of deceiving or misrepresenting : trick

It's a fraud nation, at every level, educate and protect yourself.

https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-fraud-schemes

Many different types of fraud exist in the automotive world, from new car sales, oil changes to shady service, fuel sales, down to used car sales. It seems to be common in all aspects of our economy. It's rampant in the automotive industry, esp where people are paid on commission. Some are in positions where 100% of their pay depends on what they can sell you.

New Car Sales

Freaking dealers with their monopolies... Pay attention to the TOTAL FINAL COST, not just what the bi-weekly/monthly payments are. 4yrs is a good finance period, 5yrs max, any more and you really can't afford that vehicle. Learn about https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Negative_equity

Oil Changes

$20 oil change turns into $200+ worth of up-sold 'premium' oil service, unneeded brake, power steering, and transmission fluid/filter changes. For oil changes, those quick lube places tend to be fine, I watch them change the oil, for anything bigger than an oil change, go to a shop that you know and trust. Follow the service schedule in your manual, some places try to tell you that something is needed way before it actually is. Some places will even charge you for service that isn't even performed.

'Recommended Service'

Many places from oil change places, to independent repair shops, to the dealers sometimes like to fudge the 'recommended services'. Again, avoid useless or unneeded service by following the manufacturers recommended service schedule in your owners manual. Also, do your own VIN check for recalls, as sometimes dealers will neglect to mention it because they get paid a LOT less for warranty work.

'Premium Fuel'

Use only the octane that your vehicle calls for, if they try to up-sell you(either in person, or by advertising), you are being scammed. Gasoline

Towing Scams

As soon as there is an urgent situation, the games begin. Hookup fees, emergency fees, shop kickbacks, exorbitant storage fees, 'gate fees', etc, some of which are illegal depending on where you are. Be weary of the random tow truck that stops when you are on the side of the road, call a reputable company. Contact your insurance company for recommendations and to find out what is/isn't covered. Make sure that you actually need the tow, sometimes they will try to tow you even if it's not needed, for example in a fender bender where the bumper cover is damaged or fell off. If that is the only damage, take pictures, secure or remove the bumper cover and you can most likely drive home.

Be careful if the tow company recommends a shop, find reviews before agreeing to be towed to that location. If you have AAA, never pay cash to the driver(popular around Christmas time, tis the season). Make sure the paperwork matches the truck and get a printed invoice of all towing, storage, misc charges and where the the vehicle is being towed to before allowing them to tow your vehicle. If the driver won't leave, or you suspect fraud, call the authorities in that jurisdiction.

If you are close to home, it might be wise to have your vehicle towed home so you can take your time to decide where you want to have it repaired.

Used Car Sales

Where to even start...