The Diesel Shop Dishonest is an understatement. Groveport, Ohio

I was having some starting issues with my Fire Truck and performed a Google search to locate a truck repair shop that would handle larger trucks. The Diesel Shop was one of the results and as I grew up in Groveport (and the truck was stored there), I chose to take it to them to find out what was wrong. While I was there, they gave me an estimated price, which I wrote a check for because I would be unable to be there during typical daytime hours. The shop instructed me that once repairs would be completed, they would leave the key on top of the battery where I could pick it up after hours. Over the next few days, the shop called me and stated that they went out to the truck and it started right up without any problems. They said they weren't sure what to do and asked if I still wanted the starter replaced. I said no, if there is nothing wrong with it I did NOT want it replaced. Either on that call, or a subsequent call, he told me that I needed to pay him for his time, which I stated I would not as there was no work performed. He simply went out to the truck and turned the key. He stated that he was going to cash my check then, at which point I contacted my bank and placed a stop payment on the check. I immediately used a spare key and picked up the truck as well. I then received several calls from him threatening me for the payment. I told him I would deny any payment as no service was performed. After multiple calls, I had to block his number and told him to stop calling me.

Some time after, I received a call from an attorney. He questioned me about the check and outright called me a liar. He stated that he new the shop and that they had actually installed a new starter (which is false and contradictory to what they said in the first place). I told him by Ohio Law that if they are going to state they installed a new part, that they must provide me with the old part. He stated that was not the case and I told him to cease all communication with me. I also stated that there was nothing wrong with the starter as I found the problem with the truck and it was a solenoid that I had purchased myself, replaced myself, and I still have the old part that was defective. This was what was causing the truck to sporadically start (or not start) and had absolutely nothing to do with a starter. Not too long after that, I found that the check was showing on my credit report under the company Aaron & Associates. I contacted the credit bureau to report it as fraud, and it was confirmed/removed by Experian after an investigation. However, TransUnion and Equifax did NOT remove the file. Those who did not remove the file stated that I would have to file a police report before they would do anything. As I really didn't want to go that route, I never filed the report. I didn't figure it would cause me any problems, as I rarely use credit, and let it go.

When the time came to purchase my home, I was extremely inconvenienced and it became an issue with the mortgage company. I had to write letters and again disputed the claim with the Credit Bureau's. They only thing that saved the process was the fact that Experian found fault with the debt and removed it. I was able to write a simple letter to my mortgage company stating that it was fraud and they accepted my statement. As the house was now purchased and I no longer had to worry about the credit, I was going to let it go again. Now that I have received court papers and they are trying to pursue payment, I am no longer letting it go. I have filed a police report with the local Police Department and have retained counsel.