Who Are We?
Fraudulent warranty claims cost our automotive parts industry hundreds of millions of dollars annually. “Check the Part” has been started by industry experts to help address these fraudulent claims by encouraging Parts Pro’s to simply open the box and visually inspect returns. Most other industries have already standardized this practice as an effective deterrence. As auto parts become more expensive, it is now important to work together to end fraudulent returns.
Why Are We Doing This?
$18B
US retailers lose between $18 Billion to $24 Billion annually to returns.
$870M
Cost of fraudulent warranty claims cost auto parts stores every year.
22.6%
Of all Auto Parts sold are returned, the aftermarket has a higher return rate than any other industry.
53%
Of warranty returns were either brand new or not that manufacturer’s product. (Parts were from a competitor or the OEM Part)
How Can You Help?
What to do
Most of these fraudulent returns can be recognized & stopped by following these simple steps.
View Return Steps
- Always open the box and confirm the part is as described.
- Confirm the brand on the part matches the brand on the box.
- Make sure the part was not damaged.
- Confirm the date of purchase on the receipt.
- If the part is brand new and has not been installed, it can be returned but it should not be processed as a warranty.
What to know
Staying informed on fraudulent scams, and knowing what to look for when checking the part will go a long way in stopping these claims.
View Resources
Below are links to information on how to check certain manufacturer parts and other general materials you should be aware of.
- Check the Part Instructions
- Article From Counterman Magazine (counterman.com)
- ASW Conversations: Addressing warranty fraud in the aftermarket – Auto Service World
- The Great Canadian Aftermarket Podcast: Stop Warranty Fraud: Check the Part on Apple Podcasts
- A Simple Strategy to Reduce Fraudulent Returns (counterman.com)
- How to Prevent Fraudulent Returns (youtube.com)
Product Return Guides
What to report
When you think you been had in a fraudulent return, let us know. Or, share an example of fraud prevention.
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