PHOENIX (Legal Newsline) — After an undercover sting allegedly caught GBY Transmissions defrauding customers on hidden camera, the transmission repair shop must pay $50,000, according to Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich.
GBY Transmissions, owned by Gerardo Figueroa Haros and managed by Gerardo Figueroa Salinas, admitted to giving auto repairs to customers that were unneeded and charging them for it.
“Integrity is doing the right thing when no one else is watching,” Brnovich said. “Businesses with a history of bad behavior and consumer complaints should expect a visit from our undercover special agents. There will be consequences for businesses that rip customers off.”
An automotive repair expert disconnected a vehicle’s transaxle, which should only require a $40 to $100 fix. Special agents brought it to GBY, who said the undercover vehicle needed a complete transmission rebuild. The defendants charged the state $1,010.69 and installed unnecessary parts.
In the consent judgment, GBY then admitted to advertising and estimating lower rates and then charging much higher amounts after completing work on projects.
GBY Transmissions will pay $20,000 in customer restitution, $15,000 in civil penalties and $15,000 in attorneys’ fees and costs.