Pull-A-Part is a self-service used auto parts retailer with 40 locations across the U.S. Unlike traditional auto shops, they don’t track individual inventory—customers pull their own parts from available vehicles. This unique business model creates challenges in tracking transactions, preventing fraud, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Pull-A-Part has relied on Solink to improve operational efficiency, security, and loss prevention. Initially used to remotely monitor stores, Solink quickly became a critical tool for detecting fraud and enforcing policies. Recently, their security team uncovered a massive fraudulent return scheme—totaling over $238,000 in losses—all thanks to Solink’s reports and video verification.
By combining transaction monitoring, AI analytics, and cloud-based video access, Solink has helped Pull-A-Part eliminate fraud, enforce compliance, and recover lost revenue—all while making security oversight faster and easier than ever.
Pull-A-Part’s VIP volume buyer program was designed to reward high-volume customers with discounted pricing on bulk auto parts. These buyers, often exporters, were not allowed to return items. But when Solink’s transaction reports were introduced, the security team noticed something alarming: some VIP customers were processing massive returns—despite the strict no-return policy.
With Solink’s AI-powered reports and video verification, Director of Security Remondo Pitts and his team uncovered a widespread fraud scheme. Employees were processing fake returns for VIP customers, loading thousands of dollars in store credit onto their accounts—without a single part being returned. These same customers would then use the fraudulent credit to “buy” more parts for free or hand cash to employees in exchange for the credit, effectively laundering money through the store’s system.
The fraud didn’t stop there. Employees were also manipulating core returns, which allow customers to get cash back when they bring in old parts like batteries or engines. With Solink, the team saw that employees were issuing return refunds without ever receiving the parts—pocketing up to $3,000 a day in cash.
Solink’s timestamped video and transaction tracking made it impossible for bad actors to hide. Many of these fake transactions happened outside of business hours, when managers weren’t on the floor. Employees would process returns after the store closed or before it opened, ensuring there were no real customers around. By comparing Solink’s transaction reports with video footage, the security team caught the same employees running the scam across multiple locations.
Once Solink was used to help identify the fraudulent transactions, Pull-A-Part took immediate action. The same employees kept appearing in multiple reports, processing fake returns and pocketing money. Instead of wasting more time digging, the team had more than enough evidence to act. By removing the employees involved in the scam and banning VIP customers who participated, the company stopped the losses overnight. The impact was immediate—one location that had suffered a $55,000 fraudulent return hit its retail target for the first time ever.
One of the biggest time savers has been AI Spot Check, which helps ensure OSHA and EPA compliance without constant manual oversight. Instead of reviewing hours of footage, Solink automatically scans for PPE compliance—flagging if employees are missing required hard hats, safety vests, or gloves. It also alerts the team to potential hazards like oil spills, which could lead to costly fines or even shutdowns.
Beyond the technology, Solink’s customer success team has been a key part of Pull-A-Part’s success. From setting up custom reports to introducing new AI features, the team has helped optimize security, fraud prevention, and compliance monitoring across all 40 locations.
Regular meetings with Solink’s experts ensure that Pull-A-Part is always using the latest features to their full potential. As the company expands its use of AI and data analytics, Solink’s team is there every step of the way—providing hands-on support, strategic insights, and fast solutions.
