Look for these red flags when encountering suspicious home warranty mailers:
- Use of threatening language or unnecessary urgency. DFI Secretary-designee Cheryll Olson-Collins says, “Solicitations that use threatening language or unnecessary urgency are almost always a scam.”
- e.g. “final notice,” “immediate response requested,” or “we reserve the right to revoke your eligibility for service coverage after 5 days.”
- It appears to be from a government entity but does not include specific details.
- e.g. “home warranty division” or “lender services.”
- Information that does not match your circumstances.
- e.g. stating “your home warranty may be expiring,” when you do not have a home warranty.
- There is no return address and the only contact information given is a phone number.
- A fake check is included with the mailer.
What's the safest course of action to keep yourself protected?
- Do not respond
- Do not call the phone numbers listed on these mailers
- Call your lender directly to inquire about the matter
The person on the other end is likely seeking your personal information. “Do your research, utilize resources you know and trust, and be careful responding to calls, texts, letters, or email solicitations from people or companies you don’t recognize,” said Insurance Commissioner Nathan Houdek.
“Scammers try to pressure consumers into handing over their money or private information before they get a chance to question the request’s legitimacy,” said DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski. “No honest agency or business will demand immediate payment. If you have questions or suspect a scam, contact DATCP and our partners DFI and OCI.”
For more information on current scams, consumer laws and publications, and how to file a complaint, contact the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s Consumer Protection Hotline toll-free at (800) 422-7128 or by email at DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov.
Consumer alert issued on: July 10, 2023
