Discount Tire warning drivers about scam

HOUSTON – Discount Tire is warning Houston-area drivers about a scam involving people on roadways in parking lots that has already cost some victims hundreds of dollars.

"It's not unusual because they've got so many scams," Discount Tire customer Carol Bailey said. That's just one more scam I guess. That sounds really bad. I wouldn't want it to happen to me.

A Channel 2 viewer recently said a man claiming to be a repair person from Discount Tire flagged her down in a parking lot to say her tire was loose and needed fixing.

He also said he could do it on the spot. It wasn't until days later that the woman found out it was a scam.

"That's a scary idea," Carole Wood said. "That would be a safety concern, not just the drivers but anyone."

Discount Tire released statement Friday that read, in part:

"... become aware of a roadside assistance scam that involves individuals approaching motorists posed as Discount Tire employees and offering to repair the issue on the spot. Be advised that this is a scam."

The company also said it has seen a spike in the scam in recent weeks from Houston drivers.

Houston police said they have also received reports about the scam.

Discount Tire wants drivers to know it doesn't provide roadside tire assistance and people should report any such shams.


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