What it looks like
"We've been trying to reach you concerning your car's extended warranty. This is your final courtesy call before we close your file. Press 1 now to speak with a warranty specialist."
An example. Real ones change their wording, amounts and names all the time.
How it works
These calls go out to huge numbers of people, whether they own a car or not. The recording sounds urgent, but it rarely names your car or your dealer, because the caller does not know them. Pressing 1 connects you to a salesperson and tells the system your number belongs to a real person who answers.
What they sell is usually not a warranty from your car's maker. It is a service contract from another company, which can be expensive and may cover far less than promised. Some sellers take a payment and provide little or nothing, and others use the call to collect your card or personal details.
It fools people because real warranties do expire, and the word 'final' makes it sound like a last chance. The FTC says a robocall trying to sell you something is illegal unless you gave that company written permission to call you that way. You can always check your real coverage with your dealer.
Signs it is fake
- A recorded voice calling about your car's warranty, often with the words 'final notice'
- The call or mailer does not name your car's maker or your dealer
- Pressure to buy a plan today, and a request for your card number or a down payment
- Questions about your car's make, model and mileage that your real dealer would already know
- Mailers made to look like official notices from the DMV or your car's maker
What to do
- Hang up. Do not press 1 or any other number. Pressing numbers will probably only lead to more robocalls.
- To check your real warranty, look at your owner's papers or call your dealer.
- Add your number to the Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov, and report unwanted calls there.
If you already clicked, called or paid
- If you paid by card, call the card company and ask about disputing the charge. Ask the seller in writing to cancel.
- If you gave your Social Security or bank account number, go to identitytheft.gov.
- Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov or donotcall.gov.
Being fooled is not your fault. These messages are made by professionals to look real. Acting quickly is what matters. See what to do if you paid a scammer.
Not sure about a message?
Forward it to Uncle at +1 208 214 0093, or send a screenshot. He tells you plainly what looks wrong. He never asks for passwords or codes, and he never texts first. How it works.
Worried about a parent? With the Family plan, you get a heads up when a likely scam reaches them.
More common scams
Written by the Textuncle team. Last updated October 3, 2026.
Text Uncle