Extended Car Warranty Calls & Letters: Scam or Legit?

The robocall or letter warns that your car's warranty is expiring and this is your “final notice” to extend coverage — often with your real make and model listed.

How the car warranty scam works

These pitches sell junk “vehicle service contracts” loaded with exclusions, or simply harvest your card number. The urgency, the official seals, and your car's details (bought from data brokers) are all designed to make a sale before you read anything.

Red flags to watch for

• “Final notice” urgency about a warranty they know nothing about
• Robocalls asking you to press a number to speak to a specialist
• Payment requested before you can read the actual contract
• Letters with official-looking seals but a company you've never heard of

What it looks like

“FINAL NOTICE: Our records indicate your vehicle's factory warranty has expired or is about to expire. Call now to activate coverage before it's too late.”

What to do

1. Hang up on warranty robocalls; press nothing.
2. Your real warranty status is in your purchase paperwork or with your dealer.
3. Never pay for coverage you haven't read in writing.
4. Report robocalls to the FTC at 1-877-382-4357.

Other common scams