Can You Stop ‘Extended Car Warranty’ Calls in Michigan?

There are 11 words that drive Michiganders crazy:

"We've been trying to reach you about your cars extended warranty"

Instant infuriation. Those 11 words are largely why we don't answer the phone when a number we don't recognize pops up. Those 11 words have resulted in moments where we miss having a corded phone simply for the cathartic ring you used to hear when you slammed the receiver onto the cradle. Those. 11. Words.

We've all been the victim of these momentum sucking robocalls. Whose behind these nearly daily intrusions? How do you stop them? Is there a way to get their number and call them at home and work (oh please let this happen)?

There were over 90,000 Do Not Call List complaints registered in Michigan in 2022 according to the Federal Trade Commission. Over half of those calls were robocall complaints.

Finding the exact companies or individuals behind the extended car warranty calls in Michigan, or in any state, is tough as this practice is done by multiple telemarketers and scammers.

So what is the end game behind this scam? Here's the way it works:

It starts most of the time with a robocall or some kind of recorded message letting you know your cars extended warranty is about to expire, even if you don't have a car or the warranty you did have has already expired. This is when the scammer tells the victim to press a number to talk to a representative. It's so tempting to push that button so that you can unleash you're frustration on the human being: "Stop calling this *&^% number!", "I don't even own a car!", or  "TAKE MY NUMBER OFF YOUR LIST".

If you were convinced to stick around and not hang up in a fit of rage and press the button to speak to the scammer, they will have an unbelievable deal that usually offers a perk like "free oil changes" or another type of complimentary maintenance service. This is when they start asking for personal financial information, like credit card and bank account numbers. Some even ask for the vehicle identification number (VIN) in order to sound more reputable.

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Once these scammers have your financial information they can make purchases, drain your accounts or even sell your information on the black market or dark web. If you have given your information to one of these wolves in sheep's clothing, it is essential you act quickly according to the Michigan Attorney Generals office.

1. Contact your bank or credit card company and report that you may have given your information over to a scammer. You'll also need to monitor that card or account and report any fraudulent purchases as soon as you notice them.

2. If possible change any information that you gave them. Change your credit card number or even your social security number if you have to. It is possible to change your SSN in extreme cases , such as identity theft, according to the Social Security Administration.

3. Report the scam! Contact the Michigan Attorney Generals Office, the Federal Trade Commission.

4. Be sure your phone numbers are registered on the FTC's Do Not Call List, do this whenever you get a new number. Report any calls you receive as well, but keep in mind that some companies do purchase the right to call you, but you can request that they take you off their list.

Be sure to talk to those people who may be susceptible to financial predators and remind them that real extended car warranty companies typically don't use telemarketing, relying more on traditional media to get the word out. You can also advise them to verify any offers they get with you, their car dealership and or manufacturer. Finally let them know that they should be suspicious of anyone asking for money or information over the phone.