What happens if you dropped your car off at the shop and you can't get your mechanic to finish the job? Or your truck is ready, but not at the price you originally agreed to pay? Is there anything you can do?
The I-Team asked Consumer Ed about what your legal rights are after hearing a complaint: a person says he dropped off his car, and got an estimate of $400. Six weeks later, it was finally ready, but for $880.
What does the law say? If the mechanic has worked on the car and you refuse to pay the bill, he can keep the car until you pay up.
If you think you are getting the "mechanic runaround," the Governor's Office of Consumer Protection says do three things before you leave the shop: put in writing that you are paying under protest. Have the shop put in writing why the work was either done without your authorization or why it went so far above the original estimate. Also, leave the shop with your old parts in hand.
John Sours, the head of consumer protection and who runs the Ask Consumer Ed newsletter says you need to do a lot of work before your car is worked on.
"You need to investigate the mechanic you're dealing with. Many have experience ratings with the BBB. You can get that quickly cheaply. Do it. Ask for references, friend or neighbor. How'd it go? How close to the original estimate," said Sours.
It's not foolproof but it's a start. Before you leave your car with a mechanic, get an estimate in writing. Also, get in writing an agreement the shop will call you before they begin repairs or if the repairs go beyond that estimate.
Monday, June 17 2013 8:03 AM EDT2013-06-17 12:03:25 GMT
We all get excited about leaving town and going on vacation, so we tend to tell everyone about it. But, a word of caution before spreading the good news.
We all get excited about leaving town and going on vacation, so we tend to tell everyone about it. But, a word of caution before spreading the good news.
Monday, June 17 2013 7:13 AM EDT2013-06-17 11:13:04 GMT
Pomegranate juice has been sold as a real 'cure-all' over the last couple of years. But in a decision made this month, the FTC has ordered at least one manufacturer to back off on its strong health claims.
Pomegranate juice has been sold as a real 'cure-all' over the last couple of years. But in a decision made this month, the Federal Trade Commission has ordered at least one manufacturer to back off some pretty strong health claims.
Friday, June 14 2013 8:56 AM EDT2013-06-14 12:56:09 GMT
Retailers got the go-ahead to pass along some extra charges to you, but not without some rules attached. You might not have noticed them just yet, but you should be on the lookout.
Retailers got the go-ahead to pass along some extra charges to you, but not without some rules attached. You might not have noticed them just yet, but you should be on the lookout.
Thursday, June 13 2013 3:29 PM EDT2013-06-13 19:29:22 GMT
A man once hailed as a military hero was arrested on Wednesday. Former Holly Springs Police Officer Shane Ladner is accused of tricking people into thinking that he received a Purple Heart for being wounded in battle.
A man once hailed as a military hero was arrested on Wednesday. Former Holly Springs Police Officer Shane Ladner is accused of tricking people into thinking that he received a Purple Heart for being wounded in battle.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 11:36 PM EDT2013-06-13 03:36:50 GMT
Tonight at 10, FOX 5 I-Team reporter Randy Travis shows how long it took a local sheriff to finally arrest a repeat horse abuser – even after state inspectors had spent years trying to stop the abuse!
Tonight at 10, FOX 5 I-Team reporter Randy Travis shows how long it took a local sheriff to finally arrest a repeat horse abuser – even after state inspectors had spent years trying to stop the abuse!
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:07 AM EDT2013-06-12 13:07:42 GMT
You may have noticed – or, at least heard – that mortgage rates are starting to inch up again. The I-Team's Dana Fowle is here to help you understand what this change means for home buyers right now.
You may have noticed – or, at least heard – that mortgage rates are starting to inch up again. The I-Team's Dana Fowle is here to help you understand what this change means for home buyers right now.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 6:59 AM EDT2013-06-12 10:59:03 GMT
The Better Business Bureau always takes a look back at the previous year, and compiles its top 10 scams list.
The Better Business Bureau always takes a look back at the previous year, and compiles its top 10 scams list. According to the I-Team, the list are schemes that have been around as long as the BBB, 100 years. The only thing different is the technology.
John Sours of the Governor's Office of Consumer Protection.
