Don’t Do It

Watch out!

A letter came from an after-market auto service warranty company, also known as an “extended warranty,” and has the taste of scam. The premise is that I “inquired” about purchasing a contract with them and then did not respond to their calls and e-mails.

Nope! Nothing of the sort, never did. “Your vehicle is not getting better with age,” is front and center with an 800 number.

This “marketing” ploy is not new, but if you want a service agreement, buy it from the company that made your car. They sell them, maybe through a dealer.

What the direct mailing and commercials do not reveal, except in the tiny script at the bottom of the screen, include deductibles, waiting periods, exclusions, monthly payments, parts of the contract they don’t want you to see up front.

On television they use actors or “compensated” customers who testify how they saved thousands by “letting (so-and-so) pay for it.”

Another letter came. “This is not the first time we’ve tried to reach you. Your case has been flagged as TIME SENSITIVE and we’ve exhausted our attempts to notify you. “

No, I’m exhausted from businesses trying to con me.

Another letter: “Our records indicate that you may be eligible for student loan FORGIVEMENT.”

… “If we do not hear from you within 24 hours, your eligibility may be permanently forfeited.”

Duh! I took care of my small student loan decades ago, so I have no reason to call.

We have found craftsmen and tradesmen to handle things around the house I can’t do.

I’m not an expert with air conditioning units and would rather eat glass than call the company that showed up the last time we had an a/c issue.

The guy took 23 minutes, from start to finish, replaced a twelve dollar capacitor on the motor, buttoned it up and asked for a check for $450. Never again. Not them.

Another piece of mail read, “It is important you contact our office upon receiving this notice to avoid any unnecessary delays in your coverage.”

“This notice is to inform you that the property’s home warranty may be expiring or has already expired.”

“Please call immediately as this will be our final attempt to notify you about activating your Home Warranty.”

You know the trick on this. They are hoping to reach a low information reader or someone easily confused who might respond.

Don’t do it.

joenphillips@yahoo.com