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Scam victim receives big surprise from Chula Vista auto shop

South Bay auto shop helps local scam victim
Posted at 6:19 PM, Nov 14, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-14 21:19:38-05

CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) - A local man got a big surprise from a 10News viewer when he arrived today at a South Bay auto body shop.

"It's unbelievable.  I'm so appreciative," said 84-year-old Frank Dabalack.

Last week, 10News reported on how a con man left Dabalack with a costly mess. A man showed up at his San Carlos home and offered to fix a dent in the back of his car for $275.

FRANK'S STORY: Scammers targeting drivers with disability plates

Dabalack says when the work began, the costs nearly tripled. The dent never got fixed, and the man did end up causing more damage before taking off with Dabalack's check, which he stopped.

Police told 10News the scammer was likely targeting seniors with disability plates.

When Denise Marquez saw the story, she was spurred into action. Marquez just sold Marquez Auto Body, a 55-year-old shop first opened by her parents - and plans to retire at the end of the year. She's not taking new customers except for one man.

"Seeing him being take advantage of makes me very angry. Wanted to help even more. I want him to see the legacy of my mom and dad. I just felt really bad and needed to help him," said Marquez.

Marquez tracked down Dabalack and offered to help out.

When he showed up, he learned how much help.

She told him she would be covering the cost of a new bumper and the total $2,000 repair bill

"There's not just bad people but a lot of good people. She's one of the good people on this earth," said Dabalack.