Do you own a car or truck? Do you have a phone number? An email address? How about a postal address or any other way for someone to contact you?
If you answered yes to any of the possibilities above, you’re probably one of the 7 in 10 U.S. adults that have encountered an extended car warranty scam within the last year. Call-blocking service, RoboKiller, estimates fraudsters placed nearly 13 billion such calls in 2021, accounting for 18% of all scam calls.
We’ve often said scammers follow the news and take advantage of the latest crises, so the recent spike in inflation is fertile for exploitation. They know consumers are searching for ways to preserve and protect their hard-earned money.
With a simple oil change commonly approaching the $100 mark, it stands to reason a serious repair could easily climb into thousands of dollars, making car warranties more attractive.
While car warranty scams have been around for years, at the BBB we have seen an alarming uptick in calls and walk-ins recently from consumers that have been contacted regarding purchasing or extending their car’s warranty.
Be aware there is a difference between a manufacturer’s extended warranty and what legitimate third-party companies are offering. A warranty is a manufacturer’s guarantee that comes with a new car and covers a specific time frame or mileage limit. Used cars may also come with some type of warranty coverage from the dealer.
What third-party scammers offer are not warranties, but service…
