On the Watch for Warranty Scams
In today’s fast paced world everyone needs to be on the lookout for scams.
The Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio’s Lee Anne Lanigan discussed a scam that is being pulled currently here in Ohio.
“Every year about this time we can expect a round of letters or postcards to go out in the mail to central Ohio homeowners,” explained Lee Anne Lanigan. “The postcard looks official. It often looks like it comes from your bank or your mortgage company to give it that extra oomph of credibility. The language on the card or letter can be a little bit frightening or aggressive. ”
The mailer states that your home warranty is either expired or about to expire and that you will lose eligibility if you fail to respond within five days.
“It’s not unusual for consumers to immediately call the number on the postcard and agree to whatever the person on the other end of the line is telling them. Often the consumer will agree to it and then they are signed up for a home warranty they did not have before or that is a different company from the home warranty they may have in place already. And it’s very hard to cancel these,” said Lanigan.
If you have encountered what you may feel is a scam you can contact the Better Business Bureau for advice and assistance. If fraud is recognized the matter will be advanced to the State Attorney General’s Office.
The Better Business Bureau recommends consumers visit their website and research companies that provide high dollar goods and services before making any decisions.
