PHOENIX (KSAZ) - A Phoenix auto shop is caught on hidden camera defrauding customers, the footage taken during an undercover sting operation by the AG's office.
Now the owners of the shop are paying $50,000 in fines.
Agents say they brought in a car that simply needed a part screwed back in, but they say the shop ended up screwing them over, and they say they aren't the only victims.
In the video you see mechanics looking over the car's engine, what they don't know is they're on camera, and it's all part of a sting. The AG's office says GBY Transmissions was in the business of ripping people off.
Agents brought in a vehicle with a disconnected harness connector, a no more than $100 repair, but agents say the shop started working on parts that did not need repairs.
Employee: "$375 that's right for that basic kit."
Customer: "That should fix the problem?"
Employee: Yes, if it's the clutch yes."
Agents say the shop eventually said the car needed a complete transmission rebuild, charging the state more than $1,000.
The Attorney General's Office says the business targeted Spanish speaking customers, advertising rates of $189 to $375 for a transmission rebuild. In reality they charged far more, providing the full costs only after mechanics had already taken apart the transmission.
"So the only thing it could be hitting, that's what we changed," said the employee.
Now the shop is on the hook for $50,000 for customer restitution, civil penalties, and attorney fees.
Attorney General Mark Brnovich says businesses that rip off customers can expect a visit from undercover special agents.
If you believe you are the victim of fraud, you can file complaints online by visiting the Attorney General's website at https://www.azag.gov/complaints/consumer