Bethesda

Police Warn of Dent Repair Scams

By Patrick Herron

The Montgomery County Police (MD) 2nd District-Bethesda is asking residents to beware of unlicensed individuals offering dent repair in parking lots.

Per MCPD: “Please be on the lookout for vehicles similar to the one shown below. The subjects associated with these vehicles have been seen around shopping centers and business parks in the 2nd District. Subjects approach individuals and ask if they can repair dents on their vehicles for little payment. Montgomery County businesses must be permitted for this type of work (Montgomery County Code Section 31A-2(a)). If you see these vehicles in the area DO NOT accept work from them!”

In recent weeks, local Facebook groups have become a platform for community members to share alarming stories about the quality of dent repair work being performed in the area by people in vehicles like these. Many residents have reported instances where individuals, often in vulnerable situations, have been pressured into accepting subpar repairs that ultimately fail to meet their needs.

Victims of these repair schemes often find themselves caught in a cycle of inadequate work that initially appears satisfactory but deteriorates quickly. Car owners describe how they were promised high-quality craftsmanship, only to be left with shoddy repairs that began to fall apart shortly after completion without a way to contact the people who completed the repair.

One resident recounted a frustrating experience with a person in a similar vehicle who offered a low upfront cost but failed to deliver on the promised quality. “It looked fine at first, but within weeks, we noticed the paint didn’t even match after they told us it would settle in after a few days.” they shared.