Scam library · Phone calls · Seniors
Car warranty robocall scam
'We've been trying to reach you about your car's extended warranty.' The robocall says your coverage is about to expire, and to press 1 to speak with an agent.
The caller isn't your car's manufacturer or dealer. They want your payment details or a costly service contract.
The calls are designed to sound official and urgent, as if you'll lose coverage you already have unless you act today. In reality, most of these callers have no connection to your car's maker or the dealer that sold it to you.
What the message looks like
From: Robocall from (512) 555-0140
This is a final courtesy call about your vehicle's extended warranty. Our records show your coverage is about to expire.
Press 1 now to speak to a warranty specialist before your file is closed.
How this scam works
Car warranty robocalls have been among the most complained-about calls in the U.S. The FCC has taken action against operations behind huge volumes of these calls.
The agents often know your car's make and model from public records or data brokers, which makes the call feel real. They push you to pay a down payment immediately.
Some are outright scams that take money and provide nothing. Others sell real but overpriced 'service contracts' with many exclusions. The FTC notes that service contracts are not warranties and may duplicate coverage you already have.
Pressing 1 to talk or to 'opt out' confirms your number is active and can lead to more calls. Hanging up is the safest response.
If you're interested in extra coverage, ask your dealer or manufacturer directly and compare offers in writing.
Red flags
- Unsolicited calls about your car warranty.
- 'Final notice' or 'file closing' language.
- Pressure to pay a down payment now.
- Vague answers about the company name.
- Requests for your VIN, Social Security number or card details.
How to tell it’s fake
- Check your actual warranty with your dealer or manufacturer.
- Ask for the offer in writing and research the company.
- Hang up without pressing buttons.
- Register your number at donotcall.gov.
- Compare any service contract with your existing coverage.
What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info
Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.
If you clicked a link or called back
- Hang up. Report the call at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or donotcall.gov.
If you paid
- If you paid, contact your card issuer to dispute the charge.
If you shared personal info, a password or a code
- If you shared personal details, watch your accounts and credit.
Where to report and get help (U.S.)
If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.
- Your bank or card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan. - FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details. - AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. - IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.
How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you
Scam Guard runs in Chrome and Edge on your computer, so it can't hear calls. When a caller sends you to a website or a payment page, Scam Guard checks it and warns about fake warranty sites. If an offer seems legit, ask a scam expert before you pay.
Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.
Questions people ask
- Is my car warranty really expiring?
- Check with your dealer or manufacturer, not the caller.
- Are service contracts warranties?
- No. The FTC notes they're separate products with their own terms.
- Should I press 1 to opt out?
- No. Just hang up.
- How do I report these calls?
- At donotcall.gov or ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- How did they know what car I drive?
- Vehicle details can come from public records, marketing lists or data breaches. Knowing your car doesn't make the caller legitimate.