"We've been trying to reach you about your vehicle's extended warranty."
If you have ever owned a phone, you have heard it. It is one of the most complained-about robocall scripts in the country, and despite years of FTC enforcement, the calls keep coming. Here is why — and what you can actually do about it.
Why These Calls Have Not Stopped
The FTC has taken action against extended warranty robocall operations, including a significant settlement with American Vehicle Protection Corp in 2022 that shut down one major player and resulted in millions in penalties. But the industry operates through a network of shell companies, offshore call centers, and constantly rotating phone numbers that make sustained enforcement difficult.
The economics are also brutal. It costs nearly nothing to make millions of robocalls. Even a tiny conversion rate generates enough revenue to absorb the occasional enforcement action and keep operating under a new name.
And here is the legal wrinkle: not all of these calls are illegal. If you have previously done business with a company or given written consent to be contacted, they may be within their rights to call you — even if you do not remember it.
Legitimate vs. Scam Warranty Offers
Telling real extended warranty companies from scammers is harder than it should be. Some signals:
Red flags:
- They claim your "current warranty is about to expire" but cannot tell you what that warranty is
- They pressure you to decide immediately or lose the offer
- They ask for payment over the phone before sending any paperwork
- The company name is vague or generic ("National Auto Protection Services," etc.)
- They cannot tell you the name of the actual warranty underwriter
Signs of a legitimate offer:
- They can provide the name of the actual insuring company (and you can verify it)
- They will send you the full contract to review before payment
- There is a cancelation and refund policy in writing
- The dealership or manufacturer can confirm the offer is affiliated with them
"If someone calls you about your warranty and cannot tell you what warranty you currently have, they are guessing. Hang up."
What the FTC's American Vehicle Protection Settlement Did
The 2022 FTC action against American Vehicle Protection was notable because it did not just fine the company — it also required them to stop misrepresenting the nature of their product and banned key individuals from the industry. The settlement served as a warning to other operators.
But the FTC's own data shows extended warranty scams remain in the top tier of consumer complaints year over year. One enforcement action does not solve a structural problem.
Practical Steps to Reduce the Calls
- Register on the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov. It will not stop all calls, but it does give you legal recourse when legitimate businesses ignore it.
- Use a call-blocking app. Nomorobo, Hiya, and RoboKiller all have free or low-cost tiers that catch most robocalls before they reach you.
- Do not press any number to "opt out." Pressing a key confirms your number is active and often increases calls.
- Report calls to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Volume of complaints drives enforcement priority.
If you are genuinely interested in an extended warranty for your vehicle, the safest path is to contact your dealership or a known insurance provider directly — not to engage with any unsolicited call.
EthicalMechanic.org focuses on helping drivers avoid all kinds of auto-related fraud, from shady repair shops to warranty scams. If a deal sounds too convenient, it usually is.