How to Steer Clear of Car Warranty Scams
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The company estimates that crooks placed nearly 13 billion such calls in 2021, accounting for 18 percent of all scam calls. AARP's found that 7 in 10 U.S. adults had encountered a car warranty scam in the previous 12 months. “It’s statistically possible that every American with a smartphone will receive more than one of these calls during any given year," RoboKiller says in its year-end . Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Auto warranty scammers try to take advantage of vehicle owners’ fears that , someday, they’ll have to pay a lot of money to replace a broken or worn-out part. If you answer one of their calls, you’ll typically hear a recorded voice claiming to represent an automaker or dealer and warning that the coverage you got when you bought the vehicle is about to expire. You’ll be instructed to press a certain key on your phone to extend your coverage. This will likely connect you to a live “salesperson” who tries to get your payment information to draw up a contract. Can You Spot an Extended Car Warranty Scam? The call isn’t really from your vehicle’s manufacturer or the dealership where you purchased it, and the “extended warranty” being offered isn’t a warranty at all. It’s a service contract that may cost thousands of dollars but provide only limited coverage (for example, for only part of the engine) — restrictions frequently buried in the fine print. The person on the phone will often know details such as the make and model of your vehicle, which can make the pitch sound plausible. Such information is public and can be obtained from state motor vehicle records or purchased from data-collection companies. that can help if you’re worried about being able to afford major repairs on an aging car. Look at brand-name providers with long track records, such as your car’s manufacturer or the American Automobile Association, better known as the AAA. Flowers & Gifts 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items See more Flowers & Gifts offers > Make sure you understand what is and isn’t covered, and how claims are reimbursed, before you buy. If you are interested in a plan, approach the provider directly. Any unsolicited warranty offer is almost certainly a scam.
Car Warranty Scams
If you own a motor vehicle and live in the United States, you’ve probably received a about extending your warranty. Or many calls: Auto warranties are now far and away the most common subject of , according to call-blocking service RoboKiller.The company estimates that crooks placed nearly 13 billion such calls in 2021, accounting for 18 percent of all scam calls. AARP's found that 7 in 10 U.S. adults had encountered a car warranty scam in the previous 12 months. “It’s statistically possible that every American with a smartphone will receive more than one of these calls during any given year," RoboKiller says in its year-end . Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Auto warranty scammers try to take advantage of vehicle owners’ fears that , someday, they’ll have to pay a lot of money to replace a broken or worn-out part. If you answer one of their calls, you’ll typically hear a recorded voice claiming to represent an automaker or dealer and warning that the coverage you got when you bought the vehicle is about to expire. You’ll be instructed to press a certain key on your phone to extend your coverage. This will likely connect you to a live “salesperson” who tries to get your payment information to draw up a contract. Can You Spot an Extended Car Warranty Scam? The call isn’t really from your vehicle’s manufacturer or the dealership where you purchased it, and the “extended warranty” being offered isn’t a warranty at all. It’s a service contract that may cost thousands of dollars but provide only limited coverage (for example, for only part of the engine) — restrictions frequently buried in the fine print. The person on the phone will often know details such as the make and model of your vehicle, which can make the pitch sound plausible. Such information is public and can be obtained from state motor vehicle records or purchased from data-collection companies. that can help if you’re worried about being able to afford major repairs on an aging car. Look at brand-name providers with long track records, such as your car’s manufacturer or the American Automobile Association, better known as the AAA. Flowers & Gifts 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items See more Flowers & Gifts offers > Make sure you understand what is and isn’t covered, and how claims are reimbursed, before you buy. If you are interested in a plan, approach the provider directly. Any unsolicited warranty offer is almost certainly a scam.