[IN] What can a customer do if a mechanic charges more than the estimate and does not complete the repair?

IN Consumer Protection

legalgems

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The police often will not get involved in a matter that can be resolved through the courts. The owner of the auto can file a breach of contract and possibly fraud cause of action in civil court. Consumer protection claims against a repair shop that bills beyond an accepted estimate generally fall under state deceptive practices law, such as Indiana's Deceptive Consumer Sales Act, which prohibits misrepresenting the price or terms of a service (IN Code § 24-5-0.5-3). The Better Business Bureau offers free mediation but does not advocate for the customer, so pursuing a formal legal remedy would require a lawyer. Let me know if you need further clarification.

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Hello, I have been scammed by a mechanic, invoice different from price estimate, work not done, bicycle stolen from my car. What can I do?

Lexi, Chatbot

I'm sorry to hear about your experience with the mechanic and the theft, that sounds very frustrating. Can you tell me when the incident occurred?

I dropped my car for an estimate on March 9th, accepted the price offer on March 11th, made a deposit pre-payment on March 12th, and got my car back on March 25th.

Lexi, Chatbot

Have you already reported the scam and theft to the police or any consumer protection agency?

I have tried the small claims court of Indianapolis Washington Township county (place of the defendant), but they only accept claims for real estate problems, so they addressed me to call 211, which I did yesterday, and they advised me to create a claim with the Better Business Bureau and to contact you.

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the Consumer Protection Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they will be able to help with your mechanic dispute.

No.

legalgems

Hello! I will be reviewing your question and posting a response momentarily. If you have any follow up questions please respond here. Could you let me know if there's anything else specific about your situation that you'd like to share? Thanks!

Well, I have explained my problem in the previous chat, and I can provide all evidence (estimate, final invoice). The reason the police did not accept my claim is because I cannot provide the serial number for my bicycle (it's a road competition bike).

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