Road trip scam no shock

December 30, 10:32 PMScam ExaminerKarin Malchow

Previous Next

3 comments Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Scam Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

While on a road trip, you pull into a service station.  Next door is an auto shop with a Free Air sign, so you decide to check the tire pressure.  A man in overalls appears, grabbing the air hose.  What a helpful, friendly guy, you think.  Except while filling the tires, he notices the shock absorbers are bad.  He points out how that front tire is wearing funny.  Just 45 minutes and $250 and you'll be on your way, safe and sound for the rest of the trip.

Sure, reading the story, you know you'd never fall for it.  When you're examining that tire, envisioning the next several hundred miles and service station spacing en route, while your kids press their faces against the window, you might be surprised how easy it is to take the helpful, friendly guy's advice.  After all, he's the professional.  Or is he just looking for a patsy?

Ideally, you should schedule regular maintenance with a mechanic you trust, especially before leaving on a trip.  That and stop the newspaper while away.  But sometimes we neglect doing preventative things we should.  Even if tempted by the friendly mechanic's offer, say "no, thanks" and note the response.  Does he immediately offer you a lower price?  Lean on the open car door, telling a horror story about someone else with the same problem?  Uh huh.

Check this Fraud Guide report for descriptions of the Highway Bandit and other car repair scams.  For all things automotive, see the Examiner Transportation channel.