Garage Door Repair Prank

You probably know a few penny-pinchers who on the surface seem difficult to scam. However, no matter how frugal a person can be, the following garage door repair scam prank is still quite effective.

Chase has been set up by his friends into having his garage door checked out by what he thinks is a reputable company. A service and repair technician is performing a garage door inspection that will reveal whatever issues are affecting the performance of his garage door and opener. Keep in mind that this is all a garage door repair prank. The technician is part of a popular radio show that crank calls people for entertainment value. So, no one is taken to the cleaners, but it does demonstrate how easy it is even for those who are tight with their money to be scammed.

The repeated attempts to con Chase into paying through the nose for a new garage door opener, garage door cable, or whatever he is willing to purchase over the phone does become amusing. If only because of the absurdity which keeps growing and Chase’s frustration at the escalating situation. The call starts as a rather routine maintenance check that Chase had already approved of from another garage door repair company. The maintenance check was performed to identify an issue with the garage door.

Chase is first told that the pully cable is frayed which will require a replacement. This is how many scams work by starting off with bait and switch offers, as well as something simple and straightforward as a garage door cable that needs replacement. Chase is told that the cable is $18 without the tax which Chase seems to have little issue with paying.

However, Chase is then told that the motor of the garage door opener is really old and that another option is to replace it for $600. Naturally, Chase is not interested in spending that kind of money and rejects the offer. But he is continually pressured to make the purchase. It’s not long before Chase is told that his garage door opener has died.

Chase does not believe it so the technician tells him that he was joking and that all he will do is repair the cable. Chase seems happy and the call ends. However, another call is made which informs Chase that while the new cable works well, the old motor is having difficulty pulling up the garage door. Still hesitant to spend any more money, the technician tells Chase that he could replace the battery which will cost a mere $130 compared to the $600.

Chase is far more open to spending $130, so he agrees to having the battery replaced. He’s been told that it is a temporary solution, but he agrees rather quickly so the technician thanks him and hangs up. That may seem to be the end of it, but the technician calls again to inform Chase that while the new battery works great, it’s working a little too well.

The garage door now keeps going up and down because it is too fast for the sensors which are in place. To replace the sensors will cost $100 each combined with two-hours labor for the job which runs the total considerably higher. Chase is then told that simply replacing the whole thing would be cheaper. Chase is understandably upset and openly suspects being scammed.

It’s at this point that the technician lets him off the hook. Admitting that he’s part of a morning radio program that regularly runs pranks like this one. Chase may not be the happiest person in the world, but he is relieved that this is all a joke that is not costing him oodles of money.

While the prank seems comical to read or listen to, its secret lies in how it combined positive news with yet another issue that keeps Chase hooked into the situation. Being so close to the end makes it seem foolish to stop now. Because Chase is likely operating out of ignorance, he’s more vulnerable to such scams despite having the reputation for being tight with his money.

Scams are everywhere and even the best people can be taken in under the right circumstances. Garage door repair that is unsolicited is one of the more obvious, but still quite effective of scams. What starts as a simple garage door inspection leads to additional discoveries which require more repairs and replacements.

There are steps you can take to minimize your chances of being scammed, especially in terms of garage door maintenance. Be aware of what is needed, pay attention to the details, and do not make any decision without seeing it for yourself. And always choose a licensed company to do the job.