Rs. 6,500 for a Puncture Repair? Pune Man Exposes Tyre Scam Targeting Drivers Near Koregaon Park
A Pune resident, Dhananjay (name changed), recently fell victim to a tyre puncture scam while driving with his family near Ghorpadi Road towards Kalyani Nagar. His experience highlights a concerning fraudulent practice targeting drivers across the city.
Dhananjay shared the incident with the media, hoping to warn other drivers about the deceptive tactics. “While driving past Ghorpadi Road, a person alerted me that my car tyres had low pressure. Concerned, I slowed down and noticed a puncture repair shop just a few meters away. Assuming the issue was genuine, I pulled over for a check,” he explained.
Upon inspection, the repair shop staff claimed multiple punctures in one tyre and recommended using a liquid sealant for repair. The same treatment was applied to all four tyres, with the workers blaming broken glass for the damage. Dhananjay, who was accompanied by his family, paid ₹6,500 for the repairs, including ₹1,599 per sealant bottle, which was applied to all tyres.
After reflecting on the situation, Dhananjay realized the possibility of foul play and urged other drivers to be cautious. “Please double-check yourself if someone alerts you about a tyre issue. Don’t fall prey to these scams,” he advised.
The incident occurred near MNGL CNG Station on North Main Road and has raised concerns among Pune residents, with similar scams reported in other parts of the city. Unsuspecting drivers, often in a hurry or distracted, have become prime targets for such fraudulent activities.
Authorities and consumer advocates recommend the following precautions to avoid such scams:
- Verify the Issue: If someone claims your tyre is punctured, inspect it yourself or visit a trusted repair shop.
- Stay Calm: Avoid feeling pressured to take immediate action, especially if the situation seems coincidental.
- Know the Rates: Familiarize yourself with standard rates for tyre repairs and sealants to identify inflated charges.
