Is there a car warranty scam?

Yes. Scammers often use robocalls claiming your car warranty or insurance is expiring to trick you into sharing personal or payment information. They may reference your vehicle details to sound legitimate. Never share information unless you initiated the call; instead, hang up and contact your dealer, insurer, or warranty provider directly.

How does the car warranty scam work?

A prerecorded message asks you to press a number to speak with a representative. A live caller then pretends to be from your automaker or insurer, warns your coverage is ending, and requests personal or financial data. The information may be used for fraud or identity theft.

What do I do if I fell for a car warranty scam?

Act quickly: 1) Report it—file a complaint with the FTC and report calls/texts to the FCC. 2) Protect finances—dispute unauthorized charges with your bank or card issuer and monitor accounts. 3) Safeguard identity—enroll in credit monitoring and place a fraud alert with Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.

Who is behind the auto warranty scam calls?

Regulators have alleged that many fake auto warranty robocalls have been linked to operations associated with Roy Cox Jr., Aaron Michael Jones, and entities tied to Sumco Panama. Federal agencies including the FTC and FCC have taken enforcement actions and continue investigating, but consumers should stay vigilant.

How do I check if my car warranty or insurance really expired?

Hang up on suspicious calls. Then verify directly: contact your dealer, warranty administrator, or insurance provider using the phone number on your official documents or their website—not a number given in the call. You can also review your policy paperwork or online account for current status.

Can Central Valley Towing & Automotive help if I’m unsure about a call?

Yes. If you’re uncertain about a warranty or service call, you can contact Central Valley Towing & Automotive at (559) 734-4028 for guidance. We’re here to help you stay safe on and off the road.

Warranty Scams: What Every Driver Needs to Know

Have you received a suspicious call claiming your car’s warranty or insurance is about to expire?
You’re not alone. Car warranty scams are on the rise, targeting drivers across the U.S. with convincing but fraudulent pitches designed to steal your personal or financial information.

At Central Valley Towing & Automotive, we care about your safety—both on the road and off. This guide will help you understand how these scams work, how to avoid them, and what to do if you’ve been targeted.

How the Car Warranty Scam Works

The Initial Call – Often begins with a pre-recorded or automated robocall telling you your warranty or insurance is about to expire.
Fake Representative – You’re connected to a live caller who pretends to work for your automaker or insurance provider.
Convincing Details – They may know your car’s make, model, or even VIN to seem legitimate.
The Hook – They request personal or payment information, which is then used for fraud or identity theft.

Mechanic reviewing vehicle warranty paperwork

Avoid car warranty scam calls by knowing the warning signs

Don’t Fall for It

Never provide personal or payment details unless you initiated the call.
Hang up immediately if something feels off.
Contact your dealer, insurer, or warranty provider directly using verified contact information.
Report suspicious calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your local authorities.

Tip: If you’re unsure about a call, you can always call us at (559) 734-4028 and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

What To Do If You Fell for a Car Warranty Scam

Unfortunately, recovering personal or financial data once shared is difficult but you can take steps to limit damage:

1. Report the Scam

File a complaint with the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint
Contact the FCC at fcc.gov/complaints if you received the scam call or text

2. Protect Your Finances

Dispute any unauthorized charges with your bank or credit card issuer
Monitor your accounts for unusual activity

3. Safeguard Your Identity

Consider enrolling in credit monitoring or identity theft protection
Place a fraud alert on your credit reports with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion

Masked scammer holding money bags and a telephone receiver, symbolizing fraudulent car warranty calls and financial scams.

Who’s Behind These Scams?

Federal regulators allege that many fake auto warranty robocalls can be traced to a ring involving Roy Cox Jr., Aaron Michael Jones, and companies linked to Sumco Panama.
These operations have targeted millions of Americans and are under active investigation by the FTC and FCC.

Until these networks are dismantled, staying informed and cautious is the best defense.

Close-up of a black computer keyboard with a red key labeled Scam Alert, symbolizing car warranty scam warning

How To Verify if Your Warranty or Insurance is Really Expiring

Hang up immediately if you suspect the call is fraudulent.
Contact your car dealer or insurance provider directly to confirm coverage.
Use the contact information on your actual policy documents—not phone numbers given during suspicious calls.

Your Trusted Auto Repair Partner in Visalia

At Central Valley Towing & Automotive, we’re here to help with:

Honest advice about your coverage
Reliable auto repairs and maintenance
Certified technicians for everything from brakes to transmissions

Visit us at 777 N Burke Street, Visalia, CA
Call (559) 734-4028 to schedule your service