Woman Claims She Was Overcharged After She Wore the ‘Wrong Outfit’ to Take Her Car for Routine Maintenance (Exclusive)

**Woman Alleges Overcharging Due to Wrong Outfit While Getting Car Fixed**

A woman named Bethany recently took to social media claiming she was overcharged for routine maintenance on her car in Charlotte, N.C., all because she wore the ‘wrong outfit’. This exclusive story provides insight into a situation where a simple visit to the mechanic turned into a viral controversy.

Bethany, a 26-year-old, captured the attention of over 60,000 viewers on TikTok when she shared her experience of feeling “victimized by a mechanic” based on her clothing choice. She expressed her shock at being presented with a bill of $400 after taking her car in for an inspection and oil change.

The controversy arose when Bethany, dressed in jean overalls, a white muscle tee, black loafers, and accessorized with a colorful scarf, went to the autocenter for maintenance. An employee immediately suggested she needed new windshield wipers, an air filter, and a radiator flush, leading to the escalated bill.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Bethany revealed that she felt her outfit may have influenced the mechanic’s perception of her, making her appear ‘gullible’ and an easy target for upselling unnecessary services. Despite being aware of needing new windshield wipers, she regretted not clarifying if they were essential for passing the inspection.

Bethany’s story sheds light on the reality that appearance can sometimes impact interactions in unexpected ways. She expressed disappointment that wanting to dress stylishly made her a target for potentially overpriced services, not just at the mechanic but in various settings.

The incident sparked conversations on social media, with many women sharing similar experiences of feeling pressured or misled during car maintenance visits. Some even resorted to learning basic maintenance tasks to avoid being taken advantage of in such situations.

Bethany’s story serves as a reminder of the challenges individuals, especially women, may face in traditionally male-dominated spaces like auto repair shops. It underscores the importance of being informed, proactive, and assertive when dealing with service providers to ensure fair treatment and pricing.

As the discussion around Bethany’s ordeal continues online, it highlights broader issues of gender stereotypes, consumer rights, and the need for transparency in the automotive service industry. This incident serves as a cautionary tale for all consumers to be vigilant and advocate for themselves in similar scenarios.