Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist

Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Md Troopers Assoc #20 & Westminster Md Fire Dept Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist

Tuesday, December 01, 2015

Los Angeles Times: Firm's extended vehicle warranty offer breaks down under scrutiny

Los Angeles Times: Firm's extended vehicle warranty offer breaks down under scrutiny

A letter that appears to be from an auto dealer is actually from an out-of-state company selling an expensive contract with a sweeping loophole.

March 12, 2013|David Lazarus Los Angeles Times


It was the sort of letter designed to get attention. "Final attempt to notify," it said on the outside.

Within, an official-looking "product warranty expiration notice" said that my Toyota's service contract "is expiring or has expired." It provided a number to call "to extend coverage."

This was troubling because when I purchased my "certified pre-owned" car from a dealer in 2011, I paid $1,700 for a seven-year, 100,000-mile extended warranty. Now it was expiring?

The answer, of course, was no. And the racket I'm about to run down is yet another reminder that you need to examine closely anything that even remotely looks like a financial warning. Chances are, it's a sales pitch for something you don't want and don't need.

Most homeowners have received things like this in the mail relating to their home. Maybe it's called mortgage protection. Maybe it's extended coverage for your gas line or chimney.

This was the first time I've seen one relating to a vehicle. And the format of the letter was particularly insidious, making it seem to be from my dealer and indicating that if I didn't act right away, I could be on the hook for any breakdowns.

My first call was to the Toyota dealer that sold me the car….


++++++++++++++++++++++

Offer of an extended factory warranty from American Automotive Service Solutions

Dec. 1, 2015

Why are such companies allowed to remain in business?

And why do these letters only seem to come to Toyota owners? Anecdotally, a quick search of the web indicates that this seemingly misleading and sensational letter – or postcard only seems to come to Toyota owners? In our personal experience, we only get these offers for our Toyota – not our Ford truck…  

Other than that possible explanation; that perhaps the scammers get the information from the Toyota; is it possible that the Maryland Dept. of Motor Vehicles sells our private information and addresses?

Business information:

Principal:

Jarrett Bell (Chief Executive Officer)
Customer Contact: Michael Hall (Chief Operating Officer)
Laura Hall (Chief Financial Officer)

American Automotive Service Solutions
933 Main Plaza Dr
Wentzville, MO 63385

800-827-5528




From the Better Business Bureau – one of several negative customer reviews… “When I opened my mailbox, there was a letter that said "FINAL NOTICE" regarding my newly purchased vehicle. It had the make and model of the vehicle, then "Official Business" and "Penalty For Private Use" in the window of the envelope…” - See more at: http://www.bbb.org/stlouis/business-reviews/auto-service-contract-companies/american-automotive-service-solutions-in-wentzville-mo-310288545/customer-reviews?cacheit=y#sthash.ZWwJPaqn.dpuf
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