How Do Extended Warranty Companies Obtain Your Phone Number?

Every year, thousands of individuals receive calls from extended warranty companies, inquiring about their purchase histories and vehicle statuses. Many of these calls come from people who no longer own the vehicle in question, yet the calls persist. This article aims to shed light on the process through which extended warranty companies obtain your contact information and suggests strategies for dealing with these unwanted calls.

Vehicle Registration and Public Information

Vehicle registration is a matter of public record. Every time you register a vehicle, your contact information is made available to the public. As such, extended warranty companies can easily access this information. This public information includes your name, address, and phone number, which makes it possible for them to initiate contact.

Car Dealerships and Contact Sales

Often, extended warranty companies use car dealerships to obtain your contact information. When you purchase a new car, the dealership may retain your contact details as part of their sales database. Once the warranty period is over, the dealership may sell this information to third-party extended warranty companies. This is a common practice, and dealerships may benefit financially by charging an additional fee for this service.

Experiencing the Calls

Many individuals who no longer own the vehicle described in the call are left feeling frustrated and confused. The calls can be persistent, with companies repeatedly confirming that your warranty has either expired or is about to run out, even if you clearly inform them that you no longer own the vehicle. This can be a frustrating experience for those who have moved on and need to be left alone.

Strategies for Stopping Unwanted Calls

There are several strategies you can employ to stop these unwanted calls:

Answer the Call and Decline: Answering the call and politely declining can often be effective. Simply tell the representative that you are not interested and ask them to remove your name from their list. Many companies have procedures in place to stop further contact once you express your wishes. Provide False Information: While this is not ideal, telling the representative that your vehicle is approaching 200,000 miles can often result in them hanging up the call. However, it is important to remember that providing false information can be legally and ethically problematic. Complain to the FTC: If the calls continue, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC is responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws and can take action against companies that repeatedly call individuals who have requested not to be contacted. Reporting the calls will help to deter future harassment.

Conclusion

In summary, extended warranty companies obtain your phone number through public records and by purchasing information from car dealerships. If you find these calls disturbing and want them to stop, answering the call, providing false information, or complaining to the FTC are all viable strategies. Taking action can help ensure that you are not subjected to further unwanted calls.