- Jurisdiction
- California
I was referred to an auto mechanic by a reputable shop because he works on the specific type of transmission my car has. On the phone, the mechanic told me he was licensed so I took my car to him and he supposedly rebuilt my transmission. On my way to pick up the car, he calls me and asks if I can please pay with cash ($2500). I told him I would be paying with check and he said he has no way to cash a check. Upon arriving, he says I can pay with check but I need to make the check out to his son so he can cash the check. Feeling I had no choice, I reluctantly agreed. A couple days later the transmission is acting up so I take it back and he supposedly replaces a faulty part at no additional charge. A couple days after that the engine light comes on so I take the car to the dealership who tells me the transmission is faulty and needs to be completely replaced. Come to find out, the original mechanic was not licensed after all. Aside from contacting the Bureau of Automotive Repair and taking him to small claims court, what other recourse do I have? Is there any way to stop him from doing business illegally in California?