The Union of Auto Services of Russia reported a fresh fraud incident in its Telegram channel, highlighting a scam that targets car owners during the repair process. The warning underscores that similar schemes have already been observed across a range of auto-service providers, making drivers who have entrusted their vehicles to repair shops a potential risk group.
In this scheme, a fraudster pretends to be a service representative and contacts the vehicle owner. The caller asks which of the owner’s cars is currently in the workshop, a question that may seem casual but is meant to collect details about the customer’s fleet. During the conversation with an alleged manager, the fraudster probes for the necessary repairs and provides an estimated cost for spare parts and ongoing maintenance. A crucial manipulation occurs when the caller inquires about the phone number used during registration, then casually explains that this number is no longer in service and requests the owner to call a different one.
To complete the ruse, the fraudster then pretends to represent the service and phones the customer again. The message conveyed claims that a specific repair is needed and asks the customer to pay an advance for spare parts. Trusting the information, the unsuspecting owner transfers the requested amount to the fraudster’s account, believing they are paying for legitimate parts and services.
Authorities and service managers emphasize increased vigilance in cases where the customer is not physically present at the shop and appears uncertain about which vehicle was left for repair. This pattern is a classic red flag: the absence of the customer combined with vague answers about the car model or service details can indicate a counterfeit outreach.
Car owners are advised to confirm, in advance, whether remote prepayments are ever required and to verify the originating phone number used by the service. If there is any doubt, it is prudent to end the call and initiate contact through a known, verified channel. A quick callback from a number listed on the official website or a previously saved contact can prevent a costly mistake.
Experts also suggest documenting all communications with service representatives and requesting written estimates that itemize parts and labor costs. When in doubt, do not transfer funds until the repair status, required parts, and total costs are clearly confirmed in writing. Consumers should maintain records of the vehicle’s service history and, if possible, review the repair quote with a trusted third party.
A credible source for this warning is the Telegram channel of the Union of Auto Services of Russia. The information is meant to alert drivers and service providers to evolving fraudulent tactics and to reinforce the importance of verification and vigilant communication in vehicle repairs. [Source: Telegram channel of the Union of Auto Services of Russia]
A visual reference accompanying the alert is credited to Depositphotos, illustrating the broader context of online fraud prevention in automotive services. [Image credit: Depositphotos]
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