How to Avoid 'Factory Warranty' Scam

Oklahomans are fed up with harassing calls from an auto warranty company that Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland says is operating illegally in the state.

Monday, April 20th 2009, 6:46 pm

By: News 9


By Jennifer Pierce, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahomans are fed up with harassing calls from a Missouri-based auto warranty company.

The Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner was tipped off after one of her own employees got a call from the company.

Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland has issued a cease and desist order against Vehicle Services, Inc. after discovering the company is operating illegally in our state.

Learn more about how to protect yourself from the Oklahoma Insurance Department.

"This is the final reminder that your vehicle warranty is about to expire," the recording says.

The recorded call is going to cell phones, home phones and even work phones.

"I've learned to just hang up," said Shannon Miller. "I don't even bother to listen to it."

Miller said initially she was worried about her car's warranty.

"Well, maybe there is some truth to this call," Miller said. "They're telling me something is wrong with the warranty on my car."

That's how they get people to stay on the line to talk to with a sales representative who tries to get the person to buy a service warranty for the car.

The problem is, Vehicle Services is not licensed to sell products in Oklahoma.

"This is just an incident of a company who is operating illegally in our state," said Holland. "They had the misfortune of calling one of our fraud investigators at home and, as a result of her understanding and knowledge of the issue, she was able to probe further."

The Commissioner has since learned the company is telling people they are licensed. She has called for an investigation and ordered VSI to stop calling Oklahomans.

"If anybody should get a call from VSI, they need to alert us immediately," Holland said. "They could be subject to substantial fines."

Holland said anyone who has purchased a warranty from VSI should call her office at 1-800-522-0071. They may be able to get the money back.

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