Be Cautious of Urgent Warrany Notices
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A recent report published by the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) urges consumers to be cautious of mail or pre-recorded phone messages warning them their car warranty is about to expire. These “warnings” often direct consumers to call a toll-free number where they asked for a “down payment” before getting information about their warranty.
The alert was filed after a consumer was contacted via postcard stating her car warranty was near expiration. “I had just purchased the car brand new less than a month ago.” stated the consumer in a recent interview.
According to the Consumer Affairs Department “These offers often target seniors and other car owners with postal notices and phone calls that sound so urgent, such as including phrases like “motor vehicle notification,” “final notice,” or “priority level: high” to make the offer seem urgent.
Pat Watson, Executive Vice President of the SC Automobile Dealers Association, says he has seen these notices and continues to warn to consumers. He states “Don’t let them alarm you” and “If you have any questions or concerns about your warranty, either look in your owner’s manual or better yet, call your Dealer.”
In today’s rapidly changing world, individuals are always searching for ways to make a profit. However, as we all know some choose the legal way and others, such as these individuals choose to conduct business their way. Consumers are urged to monitor these “warnings” in order to avoid any unnecessary warranty processing. The (SCDCA) has provided the following Red Flag warnings which we all need to be aware of.
- MAILINGS THAT APPEAR TO COME FROM YOUR AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURER OFFERING EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE.
- PRE-RECORDED PHONE CALLS. TELEMARKETERS ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO USE PRE-RECORDED MESSAGES UNLESS A LIVE PERSON FIRST ASKS YOU IF YOU WANT TO LISTEN TO THE RECORDING.
- NEVER GIVE OUT PERSONAL FINANCIAL OR OTHER SENSITIVE INFORMATION LIKE YOUR BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, OR EVEN YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE.
- CHECK TO SEE IF YOU ALREADY HAVE A CAR WARRANTY THAT IS STILL IN PLACE.
- IF YOUR CAR WARRANTY EXPIRED YEARS AGO, THE WARNING IS BOGUS.
- ALWAYS GET INFORMATION IN WRITING BEFORE YOU AGREE TO SIGN UP OR PAY ANY MONEY.
Consumers who suspect they have been a victim of this scam, should contact the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, 1-800-922-1594. For more information on consumer issues, visit the Department’s website:www.scconsumer.gov.