I would start by going to a different repair shop. You would be surprised what goes on at those places. I have worked at repair shops, and the owners / managers are replaced if they don't bring in enough profits. Employees are just as easily replaced. The number 1 priority is to make money - PERIOD.
They did a huge investigation on auto repair shops by putting hidden cameras in and under the car. It was on TV years ago.
Brake fluid flush - Turkey baster in the baster cylinder and a few drop of fluid on the bleeders (not flushing the lines at all).
Dabbing used oil around engine and transmission seals.
Installing used parts.
Damaging other parts so that they will fail sooner.
Saying a repair is needed, and then billing it without actually repairing anything.
Loosen up bolts so that noises and leaks will start.
Cutting CV boots.
Putting metal shavings in the rear axle fluid.
Putting water in the oil to simulate a bad head gasket.
And so on.
Not all shops are scams of course, but you would be amazed at how many are.
So if you go to a shop, and something odd happens afterwards - might as well try another shop.
I'm not in the auto repair field, but I was in the mechanical repair field, and I've seen it from both sides.
I'm curious tho, what profession you're in and if there are any bad actors? Or are you living in Theory where everything is perfect?
Are there rip-offs in auto repair? Sure. But there's rip-offs in food service, home repair, law firms, government services, etc. Name a field and you can find bad actors. So using a sensationalist media piece to slander an entire industry isn't realistic to say the least.
To the OP, if you're getting a replacement starter, consider a newer style, gear reduction starter. It still needs a front brace, but I've had significantly less issues with them.
