The state’s consumer-protection office is going after a firm called “Warranty America” about its promise to help auto owners. Attorney General Tom Miller says the warning was sparked by consumer complaints. The postcard looks like a card from your own car company that would be a recall or safety notice, but it’s a deception. Some consumer say they’re being charged even if they bought nothing, because they gave out their credit-card number. Miller reminds consumers never to give such credit-card information to a strange caller, or one they don’t intend to deal with. Miller says people who call the company thinking it’s a notice from their dealer may be the target of a “hard sell.” If you do buy their warranty, which claims to be bumper-to-bumper, you’ll find it’s full of exclusions, things that are not covered. The mailing of the official looking “warranty” apparently went to thousands of Iowans. He says 44 Iowans called to report they got the suspicious offer, the AG’s office has secured refunds for 37 people totaling over $17,000, and they’re still dealing with about 70 complaints about the company.

Radio Iowa