K&B Automotive

Review: I received a bill in the mail from K&B Automotive for replacement of transmission on a [redacted] (initially listed as * type, then changed to * Type 3L, V6 (181CI) with invoices dated 12/24, 12/27 and 1/11/2014. I do not own a [redacted] nor do I know anyone who does. I called the company twice -- on 12/29 and again on 1/13 to inform them of this. There was no reply on 12/29, but on 1/13 a woman answered the phone and very rudely stated that I was lying. I asked her how they even identified my name and she stated they called the phone company to trace the phone number that was given to them ([redacted]). This line has never been connected to an actual phone and has since been disconnected. I asked her why they had not obtained the correct billing address through the driver's license listed on the bill ([redacted]) or through the Vin# ([redacted]) and she stated that she could tell in my voice that I was lying and I knew the owner of the car. She then went on to say that she suspected that the male owner was likely my husband or boyfriend and that I better pass this on to him if I knew what was good for me. I asked for her name which she did not provide and asked to speak to the owner to which she would not transfer the phone. On the advice of my lawyer, I did review my credit report which remains spotless. The third invoice (1/11) arrived after the phone call and states "this is not going away **. [redacted]" I also called my phone company who stated that they would never release personal information to anyone other than myself and no record exists as to anyone calling for information about the phone number. I find this business to have very shady practices as my auto repair shop makes a copy of my registration and driver's license number before any repairs are started. They also collect payment on pickup of the car. To identify a bill based on a phone number which is not even active is highly suspicious to me in addition to the response when I called.Desired Settlement: I would like written confirmation that this bill has been removed from my name along with a formal apology from the owner.

Business

Response:

Dear Sir and Madame:A customer came in using the name of **. [redacted] with this address and phone number. The phone number according to [redacted] Cell also corresponds with this address and the alleged person's name.A large repair was done on the said vehicle. It is not our practice or any repair facility to run a person's tag or license number nor do any of us have the capability to do so. **. [redacted] who used this address and everything fits continued to call constantly whilst the vehicle was getting a new 'TRANSMISSION". The vehicle was parked on our lot after the vehicle was completed and then suddenly it was gone and so was **. [redacted]. We have not heard from him so we assume that **. [redacted] has taken possession of said vehicle. This case was reported to [redacted]'s County Police Department, [redacted] Division but because we are not the registered owners we cannot report it stolen. It appears that at this tenure we are being targeted not once but twice. Here's the bottom line:1. We did an EXPENSIVE REPAIR ON A [redacted]2. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FROM OUR PROPERTY3. THE NAME and ADDRESS JUST HAPPENS TO FIT YOUR COMPLAINANT4. COINCIDENCE?5. WE ARE A SMALL BUSINESS OUT OF OVER $2,269.506. IT SEEMS THAT MAYBE SOMEONE IS USING [redacted]'S INFORMATIO?7. WE HAVE CONCLUDED THAT BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE AND THAT'S JUST THAT. We have done nothing wrong other than to follow up on a repair bill that was not paid for and the car was taken from our lot. What we did do wrong was trust an individual that we knew nothing about. It would not be the practice of any shop to run a person's tag and check to see if they are who they say they are. How can that be done anyhow? However, this is not an opportunity for the "[redacted]'s" whoever they are too slander us. We will take appropriate action when the opportunity arises. If you need further assistance please contact me personally.

Consumer

Response:

Dear

Please permit this to serve as a brief reply to the February 6, 2014 correspondence from the representative of respondent K&B Automotive. Initially, I am appalled that the respondent has chosen to issue thinly-veiled threats by way of an alleged forthcoming action for “slander” as a way to deter what I perceive to be a legitimate concern of public interest – namely, the protection of consumers like me from harassment and unlawful debt collection practices. Or, in this case, from tortious attempts to collect moneys that are not owed. I took time out of my incredibly busy work schedule and wrote to you to alert you to the harassing and persistent attempts by K&B to pursue me for costs of repairing a vehicle I do not (nor ever have) owned. Now, I find myself further victimized by utterly baseless threats of forthcoming lawsuits. This is entirely unacceptable, and I intend to report same to the Maryland Attorney General’s Office.

By way of further reply, the explanation in K&B’s response is so implausible that it raises more questions than it answers. K&B alleges that they performed extensive repairs on a 2000 [redacted], left the vehicle on their lot, and simply found it missing the next day. In every instance that I recall servicing one of my vehicles, I dropped-off my keys with the service advisors. Upon payment, the repair facility returns the key and I drive away. Is K&B claiming that the individual left behind a set of keys and took the [redacted]? If so, can they produce those keys? If not, how did the individual simply drive away with the vehicle? Without keys, how would the service facility conduct repairs – or move the vehicle from the garage to the lot?

It also seems absurd that K&B simply conducted over $2,269.00 in repairs without verifying any information from its customer – or even taking a copy of a drivers’ license or an imprint of a credit card.

Also, once I respectfully advised K&B that I was not the owner of the vehicle, they could have (and should have) run a simple, routine title check to determine the true owner of the vehicle they just repaired. This would have informed them that I am not the owner, and that they should not be further harassing me or intimidating me with threats.

I intend to follow-up with the [redacted]’s County Police Department insofar as my telephone number and address were apparently used. This could have been achieved simply by someone taking my phone bill from my mailbox. To that end, I am requesting a copy of each and every document signed or completed by the individual who has allegedly committed the fraud from K&B. I am also requesting that K&B provide each and every document that evidences the repairs performed on the 2000 [redacted], including any and all invoices reflecting parts purchased for the [redacted].

K&B should have simply apologized for this error. Instead, they constructed an implausible story to justify their egregious conduct towards me, and have continued down that road by issuing threats.

Sincerely, *. [redacted]