Page 2 August 22, 2013 TORRANCE TRIBUNE People Finance Four young men from Boy Scout Troop 378 Christine McNamara of Palos Verdes Estates, Steer Clear of Auto Repair Scams celebrated earning the rank of Eagle Scout at is a senior at St. John Bosco High School in an Eagle Scout Court of Honor on August 18 Bellflower. For his Eagle Project, Cole led a By Jason Alderman decide to get a second opinion or at St. John Fisher Church. team of volunteers in building a new project If you feel frustrated or intimidated have the work done elsewhere. Adam Chandley, 18, son of Damon and table, and reconstructing the existing wooden whenever you take your car in for Make sure the final repair bill Laurie Chandley of Torrance, is a 2013 graduate faux wishing well and birdhouse at Cornerstone repairs, you’re not alone. According contains itemizes all work completed of South High School. For his Eagle Project, Elementary School in Rancho Palos Verdes, to the Federal Trade Commission and parts used. (Ask them to show Adam led a group of volunteers in building Cole’s elementary school. The project table and the Better Business Bureau, you the work done and replaced bookshelves to house grade-level reading books and reconstruction of the faux wishing well auto repair fraud consistently ranks parts.) Also have the bill spell out used to provide reading instruction to ESL required Cole to design and draft a blueprint among the top consumer complaints any guaranteed items (including students, indexing the books and making library for each. In addition to earning 37 merit they receive. exclusions), in case problems occur check-out cards. Approximately 130 teachers badges, Cole has the Bronze Palm and Block Although most auto repair shops are later and you need contractual proof. at the Torrance Unified School District and all E Platinum awards. legitimate, some unscrupulous operators will Watch out for these common scams: of their students benefited. Kevin Kawano, 17, son of Hiro and Karen rip off inexperienced car owners by performing They give you a verbal estimate then charge Alejandro De Loza, 18, son of Sergio and Kawano of Torrance, is a senior at Bishop unnecessary or unauthorized repairs, substituting a higher price. Always get it in writing. Dolores De Loza of Torrance, is a 2013 graduate Montgomery High School in Torrance, counterfeit or used replacement parts, or A shop lures you in with low-cost specials even doing such shoddy work that lives are (oil change, brake inspection, etc.), then pads endangered. the work order with other repairs you don’t Here are tips for becoming a more informed want or need. If in doubt, have the initial consumer and a few common scams to avoid: work done and get a second opinion on the Try to have a trusted repair shop already lined rest, unless there’s an immediate safety issue. up before you need one. Ask friends or your Charging for services that are covered auto insurance company for recommendations, under the car’s warranty. (Always read your or search the Better Business Bureau’s website warranty carefully.) (www.bbb.org) for accredited businesses. Also: Dishonest mechanics have been known to Ask the state Attorney General’s office (www. inflict intentional damage during an inspection naag.org) whether any complaints have been in order to boost needed repairs. filed against prospective mechanics. They don’t want to return replaced parts Look for mechanics currently certified by to you, which could mean the work wasn’t the National Institute for Automotive Service actually done, or they used inferior parts. Excellence (www.ase.com) or who belong to (Keep in mind that there could be discarded your insurer’s authorized repair network. parts lying around that they could pass off If your car’s warranty is still in force, as yours.) Left to right: Adam Chandley, Alejandro De Loza, Coleman McNamara and Kevin Kawano. Photo by Paul McNamara. you may be required to use only authorized Going against your car manufacturer’s of South High School. For his Eagle Project, California. For his Eagle Project, Kevin led dealerships. recommendations. If your manual recommends Alex led a group of volunteers in rehabilitating a volunteers in building picnic tables with If your car needs major work, gather several getting an oil change every 10,000 miles but hiking trail for the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land benches and umbrellas for Nativity Catholic estimates for comparison. Once you’ve chosen the mechanic says every 3,000, make sure Conservancy. The project blocked unauthorized School’s kindergarten class. They also prepared a shop, ask for a detailed estimate (with no there’s a good reason. trails, removed non-native plants, and posted a vegetable and flower garden for the play area sections left blank) before you authorize Offers to waive the deductible – for trail markers. Alex earned 32 merit badges and provided two trees to provide shade for the repairs. Specify that you must be called to example, offering to install a used part and and the Block E Silver and Platinum awards. children. In addition, they repainted the area grant permission before additional repairs. bill your insurance company for a new one. Alex plans on attending El Camino College where the toys were kept and cleaned all the Make sure the work order clearly specifies: This insurance fraud could land you in a Fire Academy in the fall. toys. Kevin has earned 36 merit badges and the Repairs to be done. world of hurt. Coleman Mcnamara, 17, son of Paul and Block E and Silver Block E Awards as well. • All fees, including parts, labor, storage, High-pressure sales tactics. loaner car, etc. Just because you don’t completely understand for coupons & flyers at will be used. To learn more, visit the FTC’s comprehensivecan’t protect yourself against auto repair scams.Acceptable payment methods.Visit our websiteWhether new, reconditioned, or used partswhat goes on under the hood doesn’t mean you www.matteltoystore.com Completion date. Auto Repair Basics site at www.consumer.ftc. End of Summer Diagnostic or reassembly charges if you gov/articles/0211-auto-repair-basics. •Visit us online: www.heraldpublications.comIt’s a BIG deal! Sale Burkley & Brandlin LLP Now - August 31st A T T O R N E Y S A T L A W Living Trusts/Wills, Probate, Employment Law, Personal Injury So many great bargains... you can’t afford to miss! 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Torrance 08_22_13
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