nbc 7 responds

Beware of Parking Lot Car Repairs

NBC 7 Responds looked at a man who was tricked by a so-called dent repair service.

NBC Universal, Inc.

A quick car repair sounds like a great deal, especially if it's done while you're already busy. If you get approached about a parking lot car repair, take a second look before agreeing to anything.

"I was going to go into the store and some guy came up and asked if he could give me a free estimate on his dent work," said Matthew Sebring. "I'm way too trusting."

Sebring's SUV had a few dents and scratches. When he was approached in the parking lot of a Mira Mesa convenience store, he thought it might be a good deal.

"I said sure give me a free quote," said Sebring. "He said it was $450. He could do the dent and match the paint."

The man had a business card and said he worked at a local body shop. He said the owner of a nearby restaurant was letting him do repairs in the parking lot, so Sebring hired him. Sebring paid $480 when the work was done, but said he wasn't sure of the quality.

"They added wax over it and said it was a paint sealer," said Sebring.

They told him to leave the wax on for 24 hours, but the next day saw the terrible repairs left behind.

"There's obviously a spray can paint and it splatters all the way up," said Sebring. "I don't think I'll ever trust anybody who approaches me. I won't go unless they have a physical business."

When he called the police, they said there was nothing they could do.

"I found out it's not illegal to lie and be bad at something," said Sebring. "They can do a horrible job, they can actually do vandalism, but if you consent to them working on it there's not much you can do."

If you are looking to have car repairs done, it's always a good idea to check out the business or mechanic first, as well as look at reviews of the work they've done.

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