Milwaukee Area Auto Repair Shop Charged With Unauthorized Repairs And ID Theft

10-14-2008
Contact: Glen Loyd
608-224-5007

The operator of a Milwaukee area auto repair shop—Scotty’s Firestone and Radiator—faces up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine for unauthorized repairs and ID theft.

Investigating complaints about the Brookfield shop, the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection referred the case to the Waukesha County District Attorney who filed the criminal complaint.

Allegedly John Bluemel fraudulently used a customer’s VISA account to collect for repairs not authorized by the customer.  Bluemel is also charged with demanding payment for unauthorized repairs from two other customers.    

The customer alleging ID theft says he was told that radiator repair would cost $750 “complete.”  Later Bluemel called saying additional repairs were required.  When the consumer went to pick up the car, he was given two invoices.  One for the original work now priced at $1,296 and a second for $452 for a fan and serpentine belt which the consumer says he didn’t authorize since he had previously replaced the belt.

When the consumer refused to pay for the second bill, Bluemel allegedly charged the consumer’s Visa card for the unauthorized work without permission.

Wisconsin residents with consumer problems are urged to call the toll free hotline of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection at 1-800-422-7128 or file complaints on line at http://www.datcp.state.wi.us/.

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