Nigeria’s car repair industry has its fair share of skilled mechanics but also plenty of fraudsters. Every day, unsuspecting car owners are ripped off by shady mechanics who prey on ignorance and urgency. From fake faults to parts swapping, auto repair scams are unfortunately common. But it doesn’t have to be your story.
In this post, we expose the top 5 auto repair scams in Nigeria and how you can avoid them while introducing you to a solution you can trust.
Scam #1: The Phantom Problem
What it is: The mechanic claims there’s a serious issue you didn’t notice when in reality, the car is fine.
Example: You take your car for an oil change, and they tell you the gear system is damaged.
How to avoid it:
Ask to see the faulty part yourself
Request a second opinion before approving any major work
Use digital platforms like SureMech with job verification systems
Scam #2: Swapping Genuine Parts with Fakes
What it is: You buy an original spare part, but the mechanic secretly installs a low-grade version and resells your original.
Commonly affected parts:
Brake pads
Spark plugs
Alternators
Oil filters
How to avoid it:
Always request the old part after replacement
Be present when repairs are done (or use SureMech’s verified photos/videos)
Buy parts yourself and mark them
Scam #3: Overcharging for Simple Fixes
What it is: The mechanic inflates the bill for a repair that should cost far less.
Example: Charging ₦25,000 for a fuse replacement that costs ₦2,000
How to avoid it:
Scam #4: Fixing What Doesn’t Need Repair
What it is: They claim several parts are “damaged” and replace them without your permission only for you to realize they were working fine.
Example: Suggesting a full suspension overhaul when only the bushing is faulty
How to avoid it:
Ask for visual evidence and written diagnosis
Only approve repairs you understand
Use vetted professionals from platforms like SureMech
Scam #5: Disappearing Mechanics or Jobs Left Unfinished
What it is: The mechanic collects a deposit, starts the job, and disappears or leaves your car in worse condition.
How to avoid it:
Avoid mechanics without a physical location or business name
Never pay full amount upfront
Choose repair providers that offer escrow or milestone payments (like SureMech)
How SureMech Protects You from Auto Repair Scams
SureMech is a growing community of verified mechanics, auto experts, and car owners working together to build trust in Nigeria’s repair industry. Here’s how we help:
Every mechanic on SureMech is vetted, tested, and reviewed before approval.
We provide pre-approved estimates based on market data, so you know what to expect before repairs start.
Work Monitoring & Job History
You can track repairs, request images, and even see a mechanic’s past reviews before hiring.
Dispute Resolution Support
If something goes wrong, our support team helps mediate issues—no more ghosting.
How to Build a Trust Checklist for Any Mechanic
Before hiring any mechanic, ask:
“Can I get a written quote?”
“Will you return my old parts?”
“Can I talk to a past customer?”
“Do you have a SureMech profile I can view?”
If the answers are shaky, walk away.
Don’t Let Scammers Turn Your Car into a Money Pit
Nigerian roads are tough enough.Your mechanic shouldn’t be another source of stress. By staying informed and using trusted platforms like SureMech, you can protect your wallet and your car.
Need a reliable mechanic near you? Visit SureMech and book your first verified repair today!
SURE MECH
Suremech Nig. Ltd