Ring warns garages over AI-generated refund scams

12 November 2026  

Independent garages are being warned about the potential for AI-generated images to be used in fraudulent refund claims after automotive lighting and accessories supplier Ring uncovered an attempted scam.

The company recently received a complaint supported by an image supposedly showing a defective product. However, checks carried out by its quality control department using several AI detection tools indicated that the image had been artificially generated.

According to Ring, the claimant was seeking a full refund without returning the product, arguing that the alleged defect prevented it from being sent back.

Ring said this was the first time it had encountered such an attempt and has since updated its complaints procedures.

The incident raises a potential concern for independent garages, which regularly handle customer complaints and warranty returns. A workshop that refunds or replaces a supposedly defective product could find itself out of pocket if the claim subsequently proves fraudulent and its supplier refuses to reimburse it.

Henry Bisson, Marketing Director at Ring, said: “Not only do these false claims reflect badly on our products, it also impacts our customers. If a return is processed through a customer of ours and it’s our product, they will rightly come to us. However, if the return is fraudulent, that either leaves our company or our customers out of pocket.”

Ring is encouraging businesses throughout the aftermarket to remain vigilant, particularly when dealing with claims supported by photographs rather than products returned for inspection.

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