Fullerton Auto Shop Accused of Fraud
Consumer fraud investigators say a Fullerton automotive garage has routinely bilked customers by charging for unnecessary or nonexistent smog check repairs, according to papers filed in Orange County Superior Court on Wednesday.
In a civil complaint filed by the Orange County district attorney’s office, authorities allege that the owners of Smog Express, 1101 S. Euclid Ave., lied to customers about their smog tests. The suit is seeking $100,000 in penalties.
Owners of the garage deny the allegation.
The suit says that after the state received scores of complaints, undercover investigators took three cars to the garage for smog tests in 1999. In at least two cases, the garage failed to mention the actual problem with the vehicles, suggested repairs that were not necessary and then billed the customers for work that was not done.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Priscilla Cloud said state officials tried to settle the case with the owners of the shop.
When that failed, the state forwarded the case to the district attorney’s office.
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