I am the victim of a scam. Have you been one too?

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I am the victim of a scam. Have you been one too? Posted Monday, September 22, 2008 by Andrea Gardner I am the victim of an after-market auto warranty scam. I decided to tell my story to San Diego on television, during our regularly-scheduled scam-of-the-week. The issue is not resolved and the reporter asked me, "Are you worried about your credibility as an advisor?" I wasn't. I'm more worried that people don't come forward because they are embarrassed about becoming a victim. Well, next time just remember that I am right there with you. Another reporter called me after seeing the story to share his reaction. He said, "I told my wife ... SEE ... it even happened to HER!" I think it's happened to most of us. Why do we feel bad when someone takes advantage of US? Why do WE feel responsible? Why do WE feel stupid? Because we are responsible, smart, caring people who have learned to take care of ourselves. And when we can't, we blame ourselves. We feel that we've been too trusting. So what is the remedy for that? Not to trust anyone? What would that world look like? I don't think I want to live in it. We have so many resources available to us, it is a real bummer when a seasoned con man takes advantage of us. One took advantage of me. I thought I looked in the right places for the information. But the truth is, I missed something. Sometime you are going to miss something, and then you will be the victim. That's not because you are stupid, it's because you are human. So when it happens, let someone know. I filed a complaint with the BBB. Due to the structure of the company, that complaint has been bouncing from BBB to BBB. That wasn't a fun experience. But when it finally landed, I cherished the phone call from the Attorney General's office in Florida. It turns out there is a multi-state investigation on the company. The company is volunteering to shut themselves down and pay restitution to all the nice folks that filed those BBB complaints. Well, I'll believe it when I get my check. After all, the company has been nothing but misleading in their relationship with me. But I do have an ounce of hope now. I "fell" for a phone solicitation for an automotive after-market warranty. I'm telling you so that you don't do it, too. So, what's your story so you can help the rest of us?

I am the victim of a scam. Have you been one too?

Posted Monday, September 22, 2008

by Andrea Gardner

I am the victim of an after-market auto warranty scam. I decided to tell my story to San Diego on television, during our regularly-scheduled scam-of-the-week. The issue is not resolved and the reporter asked me, "Are you worried about your credibility as an advisor?" I wasn't. I'm more worried that people don't come forward because they are embarrassed about becoming a victim. Well, next time just remember that I am right there with you.

Another reporter called me after seeing the story to share his reaction. He said, "I told my wife ... SEE ... it even happened to HER!" I think it's happened to most of us. Why do we feel bad when someone takes advantage of US? Why do WE feel responsible? Why do WE feel stupid? Because we are responsible, smart, caring people who have learned to take care of ourselves. And when we can't, we blame ourselves. We feel that we've been too trusting. So what is the remedy for that? Not to trust anyone? What would that world look like? I don't think I want to live in it.

We have so many resources available to us, it is a real bummer when a seasoned con man takes advantage of us. One took advantage of me. I thought I looked in the right places for the information. But the truth is, I missed something. Sometime you are going to miss something, and then you will be the victim. That's not because you are stupid, it's because you are human. So when it happens, let someone know.

I filed a complaint with the BBB. Due to the structure of the company, that complaint has been bouncing from BBB to BBB. That wasn't a fun experience. But when it finally landed, I cherished the phone call from the Attorney General's office in Florida. It turns out there is a multi-state investigation on the company. The company is volunteering to shut themselves down and pay restitution to all the nice folks that filed those BBB complaints.

Well, I'll believe it when I get my check. After all, the company has been nothing but misleading in their relationship with me. But I do have an ounce of hope now.

I "fell" for a phone solicitation for an automotive after-market warranty. I'm telling you so that you don't do it, too. So, what's your story so you can help the rest of us?

Comments

Thank you for letting us know. Your concerns have been forwarded to the BBB of Southeast Florida and the Caribbean to look into further.

Comment By Sheryl Bilbrey At 12/19/2008 6:21 PM

I got one of their letters in the mail today. After some research it turns out that 'Automotive Warranty Advisors' of Pompano Beach, FL is a member of the WPBBB! They claim on that website not to know of any legal action against that company. They even rated the company a BBB grade 'C'! Yipes! Well I sent the WPBBB weblinks to the AG of CT and FL and several complaint sites online. People are complaining all over the place about this company. I sent my letter to the AG of CA along with the online info I collected. You know, if you just monitor a couple of websites about phone number complaints, you can really keep on top of scams: 800notes.com or whocalled.us. FYI

Comment By CW At 12/15/2008 7:54 PM