Pune: Man Duped of Rs.6,500 Over Fake Puncture Repairs in Koregaon Park

Pune: Man Duped of Rs.6,500 Over Fake Puncture Repairs in Koregaon Park
A troubling “Puncture Scam” has been exposed in Koregaon Park, one of Pune’s posh localities. A young man recently fell prey to this scheme, losing ₹6,500 in what appeared to be an overblown tire repair. Such scams are reportedly on the rise in the city, urging residents to stay cautious.
On January 12, the victim, traveling with his family by car, noticed low tire pressure while driving from Ghorpadi to Kalyani Nagar. Concerned about the situation, he stopped at a nearby puncture repair shop to address the issue.
The mechanic checked the tire and claimed it had multiple punctures. He recommended using a liquid sealant and proceeded to apply it to all four tires, explaining that glass shards on the road were the likely cause of the damage.
Trusting the mechanic, the man agreed to the repairs. The mechanic charged ₹1,599 per bottle of liquid sealant, totaling ₹6,500 for all four tires. It was only later that the man realized the sealant had been applied unnecessarily to three undamaged tires.
Such incidents are reportedly becoming frequent across Pune, where unsuspecting motorists are misled into paying for unnecessary repairs.
How to Avoid Falling Victim to Puncture Scams:
1. Verify the Damage: If your vehicle’s tire appears flat, inspect it personally to assess the issue and confirm the number of punctures.
2. Visit a Trusted Mechanic: Preferably go to a well-known, reliable repair shop for tire-related issues.
3. Avoid Hasty Decisions: Do not rush into approving additional repairs or services without fully understanding their necessity.
4. Ask for Costs Upfront: Before allowing any repair work, inquire about the charges to avoid being overcharged.
By staying alert and proactive, Pune residents can protect themselves from falling prey to such scams.