Car Warranty “Robocalls”

Steve Cooley, District Attorney
County of Los Angeles

District Attorney Steve Cooley warns consumers in Los Angeles County to be on the alert for a new wave of telemarketing “robocalls” offering deceptive extended warranties to car owners.  

Several fraudulent businesses recently have bombarded hundreds of thousands of Californians with misleading pre-recorded phone calls, telling consumers that their original car warranties are expiring and that they must “extend coverage before it’s too late.”  Many car owners have been convinced to sign up for unnecessary or fraudulent insurance coverage costing thousands of dollars. 

Car owners looking for warranty coverage should do business only with reputable auto companies or insurance firms. And consumers should never purchase an extended warranty over the telephone unless they initiate the call requesting the extension. 

“If you get one of these unsolicited ‘robocalls,’ don’t argue or choose from an options menu – just hang up right away,” Cooley said.   

Consumers who get these calls can file a complaint in English or Spanish by visiting the online Complaint Assistant operated by the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov) or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP.  The FTC, which enforces the federal Telemarketing Sales Rule and manages the “Do Not Call Registry,” has filed lawsuits seeking to shut down three such companies.

MAY 26, 2009

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