Merced Auto Body Shop Accused of Fraud

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2018

SACRAMENTO, CA – An accusation against FH & Sons Auto Body & Paint, a registered auto body shop located in Merced, California, has been filed before the Director of the Department of Consumer Affairs by the Chief of the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR).The accusation, which alleges numerous violations of the Automotive Repair Act, including acts of defrauding consumers and insurance companies of thousands of dollars, will be prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney General.

During an investigation into FH & Sons Auto Body & Paint’s business practices, BAR inspected several consumers’ vehicles that had been repaired by the auto body shop as well as the related records pertaining to the insurance claims for the repairs. The inspections revealed a pattern of false and misleading statements and fraud wherein the auto body shop charged for parts that were not provided or services that were never performed.

BAR encourages other consumers who believe they may have been a victim of similar business practices to contact BAR at (800) 952-5210 or file a complaint online at www.bar.ca.gov. Additionally, consumers who have had collision repairs performed on their vehicle can request a no-cost auto body inspection by submitting a request online or by calling BAR’s Auto Body Inspection Program at (866) 799-3811.

Read the accusation at www.bar.ca.gov.

CONTACT:
Matt Woodcheke
(916) 574-8170

ABOUT THE BUREAU OF AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR: The California Bureau of Automotive Repair’s primary mission is to protect and serve California consumers through effective regulation of the automotive repair and Smog Check industry. Consumers can file automotive repair complaints by contacting the Bureau at (800) 952–5210. Consumers may also file a complaint online at www.bar.ca.gov.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS: The Department of Consumer Affairs promotes and protects the interests of California consumers while ensuring a competent and fair marketplace. The Department helps consumers learn how to protect themselves from unscrupulous and unqualified individuals. The Department also protects licensees from unfair competition by unlicensed practitioners. Consumers can file complaints against licensees by contacting the Department at (800) 952-5210. Consumers can also file a complaint online at www.dca.ca.gov.