SCDCA Warns Consumers Of Callers Selling "Auto Warranty" Only Guaranteed To Steal Your Money

The Department of Consumer Affairs has received a number of calls from consumers regarding an auto warranty scam.

The consumer is told via mail or phone that the factory warranty on their vehicle has expired. Consumers are being asked for their account number and/or other sensitive information to extend the warranty.

The scam is nothing more than an attempt to steal personal information. The consumers that have notified the Department did not even have current factory warranties in the first place.

“These offers often target seniors and other car owners with postal notices and phone calls that sound so urgent,” said Brandolyn Thomas Pinkston, SCDCA Administrator. “They want to pressure you into buying an expensive car warranty – something you don’t want or need.”

Pinkston says the mailings and messages often include phrases like “motor vehicle notification,” “final notice,” or “priority level: high” to make the offer seem urgent.

Pat Wilson, Executive Vice President of the S C Automobile Association, says he has seen these notices and joins the warning to consumers. “This is happening all over the country and we are trying to find out how the pranksters are getting mailing addresses to send these cards. But, don’t let them alarm you. If you have a question about your warranty, either look in your owner’s manual or better yet, call your Dealer,” he said.

Red flags consumers shoud watch for:

• Mailings that appear to come from your automobile manufacturer offering extended warranty coverage.
• Pre-recorded phone calls. Telemarketers are not supposed to use pre-recorded messages unless a live person first asks you if you want to listen to the recording.
• Never give out personal, financial, or other sensitive information; like your bank account number, Social Security Number, or even your Driver’s License.
• Check to see if you already have a car warranty that is still in place.
• If your car warranty expired years ago, the warning is bogus.
• Always get information in writing, before you agree to sign up or pay any money.

Consumers who suspect they have been a victim of this scam should contact the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs at (803) 734-4200, or 1-800-922-1594 (toll-free in SC), or online at www.scconsumer.gov and click on Live Chat.  ï¿½

Lemon Law: When Your New Vehicle Leaves You With A Sour Taste

If you new car is leaving you with a sour expression, you may have a lemon on your hands in which case the law does offer you some protection.

According to South Carolina’s Lemon Law, a ‘lemon’ is a new private passenger vehicle (car, van, truck, etc.) that has a defect that impairs its use or will lower its market value substantially and which the manufacturer cannot repair in a reasonable time.

A reasonable amount of time is considered by law to be three repair attemps for the same defect or 30 or more days out of service for repairs. The 30 days does not have to be consecutive.

The Lemon Law does not cover the following:

1.)  Defects which do not substantially impair the vehicle’s use, market value or safety.

2.)  Defects caused by owner’s abuse, neglect, or unauthorized alteration of the vehicle.

3.)  Defects that don’t show up within the first 12,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.

It’s also important to remember the Lemon Law only applies to NEW private passenger vehicles, meaning pre-owned or used cars are not covered.

For the Lemon Law to be enacted:

FIRST – You must notify the manufacturer (or its agent) in writing of the defect during the term of the warranty. The manufacturer must make any repair efforts at no cost to the consumer within either three repair attempts or 30 days out of service. The 30 days does not have to be consecutive.

SECOND – If the defect cannot be repaired, the manufacturer has the option of either replacing the vehicle or accepting return of the vehicle and refunding the money. If the manufacturer elects to accept return of the vehicle and refund the money, the refund must be for the full purchase price of the vehicle, less a reasonable allowance for the consumer’s use.

The full purchase price includes:

1.) applicable finance charges and

2.) all governmental fees, including sales tax, license fees, and registration fees.

THIRD – Before you request a refund or replacement vehicle, you must first participate in any arbitration procedure that the manufacturer may have established.

This type of mediation is known as an “informal dispute settlement procedure.” This procedure must set requirements for consumer notification, be free from the manufacturer’s influence, free of charge to the consumer, and generally settle the dispute within 40 days.

Still not satisfied?

 You have some more options. If you are not satisfied with the arbitration,  you may then file suit in court.

If the Lemon Law does not cover the car you have purchased, you may still have recourse under the general sales and warranty laws.

You can also file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs.

Remember: Buy vehicles only from reputable dealers and read everything carefully. Save all documentation on the car and any repair work for your records.

AVOIDING A LEMON IN THE FIRST PLACE

• Do your homework on the car and the dealer. Don’t just buy impulsively. Read vehicle reviews online and in magazines to evaluate for the safety and reliability. Ask people who already own the type of vehicle you’re interested in about their experience.
• Used cars should be thoroughly checked out by an independent mechanic first.
• Only buy from a trusted dealer. Consult the Department’s Buyer Beware List (www.scconsumer.gov/buyer_beware.htm ) to see if there are any outstanding complaints against the dealership.

A Hand Out! Not All Charitable Donations Go Where You Think

You may think your charitable monies are being directly transferred to the non-profit organization of your choice. What you may not know is that a number of charities outsource their fundraising activities to other companies. Some are even out-of-state companies.

Non-profit companies may choose to outsource their fundraising in order to more efficiently concentrate on their mission or maximize the skills of fundraising professionals in soliciting contributions. For others, third party companies are a convenient means of delegating the more time-consuming aspects of fundraising.

Nevertheless, some fundraising companies may not be telling you everything you need to know about how your donations are being handled and where exactly the money is going.

Before giving money to one of these “middle-men,” make sure  you identify the facts. And if that’s not enough warning….. consider that it’s happening right here in South Carolina.

 One organization is being fined for deceiving consumers and withholding much needed contributions to some of Columbia’s finest – firefighters. Fireco, LLC must pay $12,000 in fines for violations that occured while solicting funds for the Columbia Firefighter’s Association.

So, what should a solicitor tell you upfront?

The solicitor should tell you right away if they are a “professional” or “paid” solicitor.

They should also tell you the registered name of their organization and the name, location and purpose of the organization that hired them to solicit funds.

What else should you ask?

 If you ask verbal or nonverbal – the solicitor should tell you what percentage of your donation will be used to pay overhead costs and what percentage of your donation will be used to pay overhead costs and what percentage will be given the organization.

Note: The percentage given to the organization may not include money paid from the non-profit organization to the fundraising company. If you ask, the solicitor also has to provide you the chairtable organization’s financial statement within 15 business days and a copy of the current registration cerification. Each violation may be fined up to $2,000.

Make your dollars count for you. Before you generously give to the charitable cause of  your choice, keep in mind the following:

• Give directly to the charity or non-profit organization, when possible.
• Ask how much of your donation will be kept by the fundraising company for overhead costs.
• Research the fundraising company for previous violations and account history.

Consumer Affairs Advises – Don't Let Your TV Fade To Static

What You Need To Know About The Switch From Analog To Digital TV.

At midnight on February 17, 2009, analog television sets will fade to static as all TV signals will become digital.

While this may sound apocalyptic, the majority of Americans will barely notice. It is estimated that just 10 percent of television owners will need to make adjustments to continue using their existing set.

The first thing you should know is that you do not need a new television set. Now, if you would like to upgrade your television, by all means go ahead, but you do not have to buy a new set to receive the digital signal.

A converter box (called an ATSC tuner or ATSC receiver or HDTV tuner) is available to convert analog signals to digital. Consumers can expect a converter to cost between $50 to $75. They are available at most major retailers.

To help ease the cost for consumers the government is providing a  $40 coupon for the converter. The following should clear up any confusion about the switch from analog to digital.

Who needs to make the switch?

If you own an analog television and receive a television signal through an antenna, you will need to purchase a converter box. In simplest terms, if you enjoy free television and purchased your TV before 1998, you will need a converter box to continue watching.

Who has nothing to worry about?

If you receive cable (digital or regular) or satellite service and plan to continue to do so, you have nothing to worry about, even if your television is analog, because the signal is converted for you by your service provider.

If you own a digital television – nearly all TV sets produced since 2004 have a digital receiver – you have nothing to worry about. However, very few TV sets built before 1998 have a digital receiver.

Do I need a new TV?

No.

Do I need an HD TV?

No, no, no. High definition requires a digital receiver or converter box, but you can get a digital signal without an HD TV.

What do I need to know about the coupon?

• To receive a coupon call 1-888-388-2009 or order online at

https://www.dtv2009.gov/.

• Each household is eligible for two $40 coupons.
• Only one coupon can be used per converter box.
• Coupons expire 90 days after they’re mailed.

More questions? Complaints?

Call (888) 388-2009 or go to: https://www.dtv2009.gov/.