It is unfortunate, but we live in a day and age where there are all kinds of scams designed to steal your personal information and money. There are more scams than ever due to the rise in technology and the number of services that we typically require. In fact, it has been reported that one-third of people in the UK have been caught out by unsolicited phone calls.
Fake Warranty Scams
One scam which appears to be on the rise in the UK is fake warranty claims on the internet – these are usually cons from people attempting to sell “service contracts” and they will steal your personal information.
How to Detect a Scam
These fake warranty scams can be incredibly dangerous, which is why it is vital that every motorist knows how to spot one and protect themselves. First, it is worth checking your warranty to see if it is about to expire or not. As a good rule of thumb, you should always be wary of anyone that initiates contact with you about extending your warranty whether it is by letter, email or phone. Even if they know the make, model and year of your vehicle, be sceptical and never reveal any personal information. Watch out for high-pressure sales techniques and hang up if you are on the phone. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is!
Reporting
Take note of the company that they claim to be working for and then research them on online. Ask or look for their “firm reference number” (FRN) and contact details to verify their legitimacy. The internet is a great tool for researching scams and you may even find alerts from other people that have been targeted by the scam. Check with the FCA to see if the firm is registered or if they are on the unauthorised list. If they are not but you believe that it is a scam, report it to the FCA either online or on their customer helpline.
Using Reputable Services
Another way to protect yourself is to only use a reputable and respected company if you are looking for an extended warranty. Look online for professional services and highly rated companies that provide a car warranty – this ensures you are getting the protection you need and that you can rest assured knowing that you are in safe hands.
There are many scams to watch out for in modern times, with the car warranty scam being one of the more common ones. With this, and other scams, you must always be cautious of “companies” that initiate contact and use high-pressure techniques. Never reveal personal details to these people, even if they seem to have knowledge about you.
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