Auto Repair Fraud

Car repair problems entail the largest group of consumer complaints in the country. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that consumers lose billions of dollars every year due to unnecessary or substandard auto repairs. While most car repair shops are legitimate, there are some dishonest car mechanics running shops in many parts of the country. It is very simple for crooked car mechanics to compel car owners that unnecessary repairs are required because the average Joe knows nothing about cars. People do not realize that they are being scammed. This makes proving car repair fraud cumbersome. Even those customers who suspect that they have been gypped by a crooked car mechanic do not know what to do in order to make their case.

In this article, we will describe the various car repair scams. Familiarize yourself with our advice the next time you take your car into a repair shop. We will also provide some advice on how to reduce your chances of becoming a victim to a crooked car mechanic or repair shop.

Highway robbery

This is one of the oldest car repair scams in the book. These "highway robbers" own or work for service stations. They prey upon drivers who stop to pump gasoline, get air or water, or use the bathroom. There are various tactics they use to part the unsuspecting driver from his money. They have been found spraying oil or dripping it under a car then claiming that there is a leak from the driver's car. They have also been found slashing tires and cutting water hoses and fan belts so that the driver will be forced to purchase new ones. These robbers target the danger that the driver faces if they attempt to drive off without making the necessary repairs and many times charge hefty prices.

Repair Estimate Fraud

Customers who do not get repair estimates in writing experience the consequences when they come to pick up their cars. When the customer drops off the car, he gets a reasonable quote, but at the end of the day, the customer discovers that the repair shop has jacked up the final bill from the original verbal quote. This may seem legal, since many car mechanics find more problems under the hood once the work begins. Car mechanics and repair shops have been known to leave blank the estimate amounts when they have customers sign repair invoices. After the customer leaves, they fill in an inflated amount or an elaborate description of the problems.

Maintenance Hook Fraud

Repair shops will advertise tune-ups or preventive maintenance service at very affordable rates. Crooked repair shops will then use these maintenance specials to "hook" or "snag" and deceive their customers. A simple oil change and lubrication order can turn into very costly repairs. Some mechanics will purposefully damage the vehicle during an inspection to inflate the bill and "uncover" other car problems.

Willful misrepresentation of repairs

Today's vehicles are sophisticated, high-tech cars. The average Joe is not cognizant on how to fix or maintain their car. For this reason, it is very simple for crooked auto mechanics to gyp the customer.

This makes it difficult for the car's owner to decide on whether or not to have the car repaired. Be cautious of a mechanic who seems very adamant at explaining the problem with your car. Always seek a second opinion and definitely get an estimate of repair costs before signing off on any repairs.

Part replacement problems

Many crooked mechanics have been known to charge customers for parts that were not even bought or installed. Furthermore, the mechanic will charge you for the labor cost to install a part that does not even exist. This is definitely scamming the customer. The old parts swap is another common parts scam. Used car parts are often times installed in your vehicle, yet the mechanics charge you as if they are new parts. Always ask for your old or damaged part back after it has been replaced. This will help maintain integrity in your car mechanic.

Fake car parts

To cut down on costs, some crooked car mechanics use fake or counterfeit car parts in place of quality replacement parts. The price difference can be significant but you will not see the savings. The repair shops will charge you the full amount of a genuine part and will "forget" to inform you of this. This business practice can endanger you out on the road. Fake car parts, in general, wear out sooner than genuine parts. Determining the fake from the real car parts is difficult because the product counterfeiters often replicate trademarks or change them slightly that it takes an expert to tell the difference. If you believe that counterfeit car parts have been used in lieu of quality parts, file a report with your state attorney general's office or local Better Business Bureau.

Bait and Switch Repair Scams

Many car repair scams start off with an ultra-low price on a specific repair job; i.e. the bait. The repair shop reels in a customer with an advertised price on shocks and then finds ways to jack up the repair invoice with several other repairs; i.e. the switch. Imagine that you bring your car in to take advantage of the special. Once there, they will tell you that you need this, this, and this. This is a classical bait and switch scam. The only difference is that you will receive the advertised special, but you will also end up paying a shotload of money on repairs you did not expect.

Tips to follow when getting your car fixed

1. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Ask for a written estimate before you sign off on repairs.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Most states require that a repair shop give an estimate in writing. If the repairs are expected to be greater than the estimate, they must call you for your approval.



























2. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Ask for a written guarantee
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Get all guarantees in writing. Make sure that the shop honors its guarantees.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   














3. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Do a background check on the repair shop
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Contact the Better Business Bureau if there are any complaints made against the shop by other customers.



























4. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Do not get gypped into paying for unnecessary repairs
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Do not tell a repair shop what repairs to perform unless you are certain that you need the repairs.



























5. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Get a second or third opinion
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   You may have to pay for the estimates, but you could save yourself a bundle of money by searching for the best deal.



























6. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Look for a repair shop that employs certified car mechanics before the time for repairs comes
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   You can take your time in shopping for an honest repair shop, and you will not be hasty.



























7. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Ask them to provide you with your used car part
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Be sure to ask that they provide you with your used car part so that you can rest assured that they are being honest about installing a new or reconditioned part.



























8. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Be sure that the repair shop honors any existing warranty on your vehicle
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   If so, the parts and labor may be covered by the factory's or extended warranty.



























9. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Look for cleanliness and professionalism in the repair shop
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Good repair shops are usually kempt and organized. Their staff's demeanor is very professional. Legitimate repair shops will not pressure you into making unnecessary repairs and will take the time to answer any questions you might have.

There are many forms of consumer fraud going on nowadays. It is up to you to educate yourself on what is or is not legitimate. Hopefully, our advice will minimize your chances of becoming a victim of the crime of car repair fraud.

Comments: 3 Key Steps To Begin Healing Your Money Story

Electrical Engineering Study Options

Electricity makes up a major part of today's modern society making it a prudent career choice for many college students. Students have many educational options to choose from if they want to become an electrical engineer. Study options at the college level level from certificate programs to doctorate programs.

When pursuing an education in electrical engineering students work through programs that focus heavily on math and science. Programs are completely focused on teaching students through a rigorous curriculum to create, produce, test, and maintain the manufacturing of electrical equipment. Equipment includes motors, machinery controls, power systems, computers, electric devices, and much more. Degree programs match the need for all of these areas by providing numerous concentration options for career study. The career goal of students will dictate what level of education is needed.

Students that want to enter a career working to repair and maintain electrical equipment should consider meeting an associate's degree. Entry-level jobs can be earned in areas that include:

• Communications
• Electronics
• Medical Equipment
• Automation

Students that want to advance their knowledge of electrical equipment to broaden their job prospects most often enter associate's degree programs. Education covers information at the basic level to give student's foundational understanding of electricity and electronic measurement. Some carers may require some on-the-job training to be fully qualified for a certain position. Students can expect to earn a practical degree that is usable within the field and in further study.

Earning a bachelor's degree is the best starting point for students and it creates the most career options upon graduation. Degree programs last four years and teach students the design and analysis procedures in regards to electronic applications. Careers can be entered inside fields that include:

• Circuitry
• Information Theory

Education focusses on giving students knowledge in mechanics, thermodynamics, physics, and electrical circuits. Students can expect to learn design principles and the theoretical practices that go into creating electrical equipment. Many programs require students to choose a concentration in their last year of study. Some options can include power systems or digital systems. Programs give students hands-on experience in areas like control systems, circuits, and microprocessors.

Students work through their chosen concentration at the undergraduate level inside a master's degree program. Fields of study can include:

• Optics
• Nanotechnology

The education completed courses students for advanced careers within their place of work. Further understanding on how to research, develop, and create electrical systems is gained. Networking, computer engineering, circuit design, and automatic control are degree courses that prepare students for management level responsibility. Earning a terminal degree at the PhD level of education gives students the knowledge to research and teach others about the field of electrical engineering.

The field of electrical engineering provides students with numerous career options based on their level of education. Completing an accredited educational program allows students to become a member of the electrical engineering industry. Full accreditation is a proof of a quality learning program. Agencies like the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology ( http://www.abet.org/ ) can fully accredited programs that meet certain criteria. Learn about possible study options available to begin training.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and / or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school (s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.

Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by PETAP.org.

Project Funding Fees and Costs

Project Funding Payments.

In the project funding world many entrepreneurs refuse to pay "upfront fees" towards their project. When you apply for debt financing, the funder may have to implement a financial structure to enable you to kick-start a project and as well to determine your ability to pay back the loan. Whilst it's true that you may not have to pay an upfront fees, there are often associated costs involved.

Fees V's Cost:

A fee is when you are asked to pay for the services of providers whether it be for the arrangement of the fund package through the intermediate or a fee levied by the funder themselves. This fee is normally levied at the end of the funding procedure.

A cost is something that can not be avoided. The money goes towards actual events such as purchasing a bank instrument on your behalf, blocking funds within a hedge fund, securing private equity money. All these incur costs.

What Is Included In The Cost?

Costs can include an array of things such as securing collateral. Let's say you have a project which has NO collateral and is not yet generating any revenue. Generally funders / lenders protect the money loaned out by securing it against some kind of collateral. As a project which is at its beginning stages, they will not have any collateral. It is quite common that funders will have to go and obtain external collateral by purchasing instruments to secure against the project.

Often this involves another corporate entity to pledge their assets against the instrument for 1 year and 1 day. You now have two parties at risk, the corporation pledging their assets against the instrument and the lender purchasing the instrument to lend against it - this incurs costs. Other costs can include 1) due diligence 2) to pay for flights for face to face meetings, 3) blocking money within a hedge fund, 4) securing funds from private equity investors, all of this incurs very real costs. Not to say that all companies have these costs.

Payments and Commission

Getting project funding can be quite ruthless. Please read your agreements and terms thoroughly when applying with brokers or lenders as it's been known that some companies are charging ridiculous sign up fees, retainers, Skype call fees and an exit fee. All this can be legitimate however there are those funders out there who are just out to collect on the fees and very rarely bring any funding results. I've heard that some companies are charging 20K for just the sign up fee and exit fees can be making it difficult for companies to go elsewhere if they have not received funding within 12 months.

Air Conditioning Repair - First Steps to Do it By Yourself

Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working?

I believe that will be the first question appear in your mind, when you feel like there is something wrong with your AC. Air conditioning repair is not something really easy to handle. You will need the assistance of an expert to help you fix it, or the other option is that you want to learn how the methods and steps to air conditioning repair is?

Here are things to be done at the beginning of when you want to escape the hot and sticky weather especially at summer.

There are so many possibly things that can be the reasons why your AC do not to work or function properly. It could be that your thermostat is not working correctly, or the motor or compressor have failed. A dirty evaporator could also cause problems, or you might be low on refrigerant.

For this case, air conditioning repair method like a simple cleaning may get your unit back up and running, but you may need to replace a part, or it might make sense not to repair and consider replacement of the air conditioner.

There are so many things become the reason why your evaporator coil get frozen. It is when the air conditioner operates continuously all day and night with not high refrigerant level, and unbalanced circulation. This makes the air exiting supply registers feel warm. So turn off the air conditioner for a moment or gradually and try to figure out what could stop or reduce the rate a frozen coil.

If purchasing a new unit is the best solution, it is really recommended to have an expert to help you understand and choose what the most appropriate system and size that will fit your lifestyle the best at your home. Based on the variety of needs and the layout of your home, the options that may rise, as follows:

First and foremost, central air, often the best choice for cooling your whole home. If you only need a room or two chilled, then room units, which may be your best bet. If your home is already equipped with proper ductwork, a split system, which separates the outdoor compressor and condenser, may be the most appropriate choice.

While the last but not least, is evaporative coolers, using evaporated water to cool down air and suit the best for arid weathers.

What Makes Air Conditioning Repair Urgent

When you realize that there is no power within your AC, you may double check the wiring, and the breaker, or another cause is that your air conditioning is beyond normal heat. For air conditioning repair, try to better the wiring, set anew the circuit, and be sure to also clean the airflow to the outdoor unit.

To reduce the number of problems that may arise, it is a good recommendation as air conditioning repair to regularly check the maintenance of your air conditioner. This is to ensure your air conditioner is working at top efficiency and can extend its lifespan.

It is also a good step to take when you face a problems with your AC repair, you do not rely purely on technician, instead you put your effort to search the tips and ask anyone expert in this field to handle this kind of matter by yourself . So, whenever you have a problem, independently you will not be easily panic and doubt.

Set up at least an annual maintenance check with a technician or monthly check by yourself to clean the unit, check on the refrigerant and make sure the system is in safe working order. AC repair will be necessary for unnoticeable causes that become the problem source of AC which in detail are as follows:

It is easy to recognize that your fan belt has worn out. Try to listen to the sound of your air conditioning. If there is something like squeal, then for AC repair, it is time for you to replace it. If the sounds getting louder before you change it, it may be a must for you to prepare some big money, since it means that the damage has been different.

For air conditioning repair of problem like leak refrigerant, you can not stay idle or do nothing, since the side effect will reduce the efficiency of your air conditioning and will harm the environment nearby. Not only it is necessary for you to charge the system again, you should also alter its tubing to prevent getting bigger leak damage.

Tools for Air Conditioning Repair

Having tools of air conditioning repair is suggested so that any time your air conditioning does not work well, you need not to be confused to borrow from your neighbor or your friends, whether in the middle of the night, or winter which may lock you up at house.

It will become so handy for you, since you already invested money just to face such conditions you want to avoid the most. Here are the tools you need for air conditioning repair. Needle-nose pliers, nut driver, socket / ratchet set, voltage tester, a multi-meter, adjustable wrench, drill / driver - cordless, and insulated screwdriver.

Materials for Air Conditioning Repair

Here's a list of materials you might need for air conditioning repair which will be different depending on the type of your air conditioning problems; condenser fan motor, contactor, fuses, capacitor and compressed air.