How to Avoid Auto Warranty Scams

Did you get a notice in the mail about your car warranty expiring or service contract not being activated?  Maybe you received an email or a call warning that your car’s no longer covered by the manufacturer even though it’s only a few months old.  Unfortunately, you’re not alone.  Drivers all around Spokane get targeted by aggressive marketing tactics and misleading messages via letters and phone calls about extended warranties.  They are designed to make you feel like you need to act fast because your vehicle isn’t covered anymore.  Wendle Nissan is here to help you recognize these scams and understand what to do if you’re contacted.

Common Types of Vehicle Warranty/Service Contract Scams

Scammers come in many different formats.  Here are some of the most common tactics used by companies to get you to take action.

Fake letters pretending to be from Wendle Nissan: You can get letters in your actual mailbox.  They might say they are from “your Nissan dealer” or they might have our name on it.  The letters look very realistic with your vehicle make and model and official-looking seals.  But read the fine print-they actually be from a third-party company, not at all affiliated with Wendle Nissan or even Nissan.

Robocalls claiming your warranty is about to expire:  These can be so annoying.  A stern voice urgently telling you that your vehicle warranty is ending and you need to act now to avoid losing coverage.  These are not calls from us or Nissan.  Scammers are hoping that you will panic and give them your credit card information.  Don’t fall for it.

Spammy emails in your inbox: Watch out for emails asking you to verify your vehicle details or to click on links to reactivate coverage.  Even if they look official, these could be phishing attempts to get your personal data.  Avoid clicking links or providing any personal info.

Warning Signs of a Scam

There are a few red flags to be aware of that can signal the letter, call or email about your warranty or service contract is not valid.

• Urgent language such as “FINAL NOTICE”, “Personal and Confidential” or “Open Immediately”.
• The use of toll-free numbers.
• No clear identification of the company.
• Request for personal information such as your VIN, credit card number or Social Security Number.

How to Protect Yourself

The first step to protecting yourself against fraudulent warranties and service contracts is to be aware.  We will not pursue you in this manner.  Here are some tips to help you stay protected:

• Don’t provide personal or payment info to unsolicited calls or emails
• Don’t click on links in suspicious emails or open attachments.
• When questioning such solicitations, call our dealership. Our staff will gladly review your warranty or service contract with you.

Additional Actions You Can Take

Besides being on guard for those sneaky mailers and calls, you can do more.  If you’ve been contacted by such a company, consider reporting it to help others:

• Washington State Residents: File a complaint with the https://www.atg.wa.gov/file-complaint.
• National Reporting: Submit a report to the https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.
• Out-of-State Residents: If you live outside of Washington, you can also report scams to your own state’s Attorney General or consumer protection agency. Visit USA.gov to find the right contact for your state.

Every reports helps track the scammers, getting another step closer to ending the fraudulence.

Contact Wendle Nissan for Help

While receiving deceptive notices about cancelled warranties or service contracts can be scary, we are here to help.  Let us put your mind at ease.  If you have any questions or concerns about your vehicle purchases and contracts, please contact us directly.  You can also call us at (509) 581-5258, or use our Live Chat or Text Us features.  We can walk you through the terms and conditions of your current agreements and guide you in the right direction.