|
One of the nice things about buying from a reputable dealer is the fact that they tend to offer a very reasonable and convenient extended warranty (or extended service contract) on your auto once the original warranty has expired. It’s reassuring to know that as your auto gets older, you always have an “ace in the hole” just in case something major happens to your vehicle. Of course, extended warranties are not free and you end up paying a bit extra, but in the end they are worth it. For those who did not buy an extended warranty at the dealership, it can be tempting to look elsewhere once your auto starts to have trouble as it ages. The trouble with looking elsewhere is that you can be scammed out of a lot of money and still have a broken car.
Follow these tips in regard to extended warranty scams and your bank account will be much fuller in the end (even if your auto isn’t).
Junk Mail And Telemarketers
The primary methods of scamming individuals into buying illegitimate extended auto warranties are through mail and telemarketing. Phony extended warranty sellers will send you mail plastered with the term “expired warranty” somewhere on the envelope, letter or postcard. If you never bought a warranty in the first place, it should be an immediate tip off to a scam. Plus, the mail will also have some sort of plea to include personal information with your reply. If you bought an original warranty with your car and know that it is expiring, do not give much thought to the junk mail. As you will see, a good business offering an extended auto warranty will not solicit you in such a manner.
The other, just as common method in the extended warranty scamming business is telemarketing. Telemarketers looking to scam you, regardless of the ploy, are fast talkers and use high pressure sales tactics to make a sale without you ever knowing their true motive. This is especially prevalent in the above-mentioned expired warranty scheme. One way to stomp out any unwanted telemarketers calling you at all hours of the day and night is to add your phone number to the Canadian Do Not Call List.
Keep Your Private Information Private
Like many scams out there, supposed extended auto warranty sellers will ask you for private information. Whether through mail or by phone, they may ask for bank account numbers, credit card numbers and other personal information that can lead to your potential financial demise if you unwittingly purchase a fake warranty. Never, under any circumstances, give out this information over the phone or through mail. Legitimate operations, depending on their location, are willing to meet with you in person to set up a deal. Plus, chances are that they probably have a secure website to complete the transaction.
Don’t Talk To Robots
Technology has brought us all sorts of wonders over the years, but one wonder that a lot of us wish was never invented is the “robocall.” A robocall is essentially a prerecorded message that, in the case of sales, is a fast paced pitch about an item followed by a milieu of contact information if you are interested. Some of these messages can be downright rude, as all it takes is a computer to call your house as many times as it wants. Plus, some telemarketing outfits have the ability to use different numbers each time they call, which can make it impossible to screen your calls.
Just like the above-mentioned advice for telemarketers, it is advised that you put your number on the Canadian Do Not Call List. If the “robot” keeps calling you, report the number and organization to the proper authorities.
Legitimate Extended Warranties
Of course, there are legitimate third parties out there selling extended warranties. If you find your vehicle getting older and you sense a major breakdown coming on, it is best to shop around. I’m not referring to shopping around like walking around a department store, but shopping around like you are buying a car all over again. Use the tools at your disposal, such as the internet, to do research on a potential supplier of the warranty. You can also talk to those in the know about such matters (i.e. dealerships, mechanics, etc.). If a company truly wants your business, they will give you all the time you need to make a decision.
|
|
|
|
