Arizona mechanic Andres “Manny” Lopez will serve nearly three years in prison after swindling customers out of $1.37 million through his fraudulent auto repair scheme that continued even after he was indicted.
Key Takeaways
- Andres “Manny” Lopez operated a fraudulent auto repair business in Arizona, taking money for vehicles and repairs he never delivered
- Lopez was sentenced to 33 months in prison and ordered to pay $1.37 million in restitution to his victims
- One victim was defrauded of $45,000 after wiring money for a Toyota RAV4 that Lopez never owned or delivered
- Despite being indicted in October 2023, Lopez continued his scheme, defrauding another victim of $567,892
- Lopez damaged customer vehicles and allowed unauthorized borrowing of clients’ cars while in his possession
Mechanic’s Massive Fraud Operation
Operating under the seemingly legitimate business All Performance Tuning and Diesel Repair LLC in Arizona, Andres “Manny” Lopez crafted an elaborate scheme that began in November 2019 to defraud unsuspecting customers. His operation involved accepting payments for vehicles, parts, and repairs that he had no intention of delivering or completing. The FBI investigation revealed that Lopez repeatedly took advantage of customers by collecting money upfront with false promises, then avoiding confrontation through elaborate lies and impersonation tactics when customers attempted to follow up on their investments.
Among his more brazen frauds was selling a Toyota RAV4 to a Missouri customer for $45,000 despite never owning the vehicle. When the customer became suspicious after numerous delays, Lopez went so far as to impersonate a dealership manager via text messages to maintain the ruse. This pattern of deception extended to numerous victims across his operation, with Lopez frequently promising specialized auto parts and repairs that never materialized while continuing to demand additional payments from his victims.
Continued Criminal Activity Despite Legal Proceedings
In a display of remarkable audacity, Lopez continued his fraudulent schemes even after being formally charged. After his indictment in October 2023, he managed to defraud another victim of an astounding $567,892. This behaviour demonstrates the calculated nature of his criminal enterprise and his complete disregard for legal consequences. Investigators determined that instead of using customer payments for the promised services, Lopez diverted the funds to cover personal expenses, effectively operating a type of Ponzi scheme where new customer payments were sometimes used to placate previous customers who had become suspicious.
Beyond the financial fraud, Lopez’s operation caused additional harm to customers whose vehicles were in his possession. Many customers reported that their vehicles were damaged while under his care, and in some cases, he allowed unauthorized individuals to borrow customer vehicles without permission. These actions added insult to injury for victims who had already been financially defrauded, creating further complications and expenses for those attempting to recover their property from his shop.
Justice Served and Lessons for Consumers
After pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud in February, Lopez was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison and ordered to pay full restitution of $1.37 million to his victims. The FBI, which led the investigation, emphasized the severity of Lopez’s crimes and his persistent fraudulent behaviour. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of consumer vigilance when dealing with auto repair businesses, particularly those operating outside major dealership networks.
To avoid similar scams, consumers should seek simple fixes first, obtain multiple opinions on major repairs, research repair shops thoroughly before committing to work, and learn basic DIY maintenance skills. The Lopez case highlights how easily skilled fraudsters can create the appearance of legitimacy while operating essentially criminal enterprises. His victims spanned multiple states and included people from various backgrounds, all united by their trust in a business that projected credibility while systematically defrauding them of substantial sums.
Government’s Response to Auto Repair Fraud
While the prosecution of Lopez represents a successful law enforcement outcome, the case highlights the need for stronger consumer protections in the automotive repair industry. Many victims had no way to verify Lopez’s claims or check his work before paying substantial sums upfront. The current regulatory framework allowed his fraudulent business to operate for years before sufficient evidence was gathered for prosecution, demonstrating the challenges consumers face when seeking recourse against dishonest service providers.
This case underscores how government resources are better spent protecting honest Americans from fraud rather than being diverted to support those who enter the country illegally. The FBI’s successful investigation into Lopez’s operation shows the value of focused law enforcement on crimes that directly harm American citizens and their financial well-being. Protecting consumers from sophisticated fraud schemes should remain a priority for law enforcement agencies at all levels of government.
