Here’s a trial to watch: In Billings, Mont., the former owner of a Thrifty franchise stands accused of recycling damage claims on cracked windshields.
Prosecutors charge Michael W. Ryan with conspiring with a former employee and an auto glass repair shop owner to overbill customers for windshield repairs on rental cars and then split the profits from the fraudulent scheme. I referenced this case earlier this year, when two other employees of the same franchise pleaded guilty to participating in this scheme.
Two quick points need to be made here. Whether Ryan walks away from this is sent to the slammer, it seems clear that authorities have already established that customers were being fraudulently overcharged at this Thrifty location.
And I’ve heard from lots of other car rental customers about similar schemes at other rental companies — meaning, this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.
Second, I’m convinced that this isn’t the only case involving fraudulent overcharges and double-billing that federal officials are looking into. I predict we’ll be seeing a lot more about this in the near future.
If you think you’ve been a victim of a chipped windshield scam, contact me and go to the authorities immediately. Here are a few other ideas.
Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.
Elliott is consumer advocate 
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