Is this misleading and predatory solicitation?

GoldenRivet · 05-10-11, 07:10 PM

Mrs. Simmons is an elderly woman who has just lost her husband to cancer just a year ago.

Her husbands cadillac, which he purchased 3 years ago was their primary means of transportation.

Today, she received the following notice in the mail:
============================================

TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION *** TIME SENSATIVE MATERIAL

URGENT

SERVICE CONTRACT EXPIRATION

Expiration Date: June 2011 - Coverage is still available if you act now.

Your Owner ID is:
B1E-1327

Your vehicle Make is:
2009 CADILLAC

THIS LETTER IS MEANT TO INFORM YOU THAT YOUR FACTORY WARRANTY ON YOUR 2009 CADILLAC IS EXPIRED (OR IS ABOUT TO EXPIRE). YOU MAY EXTEND WARRANTY COVERAGE ON YOUR VEHICLE WITH A SERVICE CONTRACT. HOWEVER, THIS COVERAGE OFFER EXPIRES ON 04 JUNE 2011

YOU MUST CALL BEFORE 04 JUNE 2011 IN ORDER TO EXTEND YOUR VEHICLE WARRANTY COVERAGE.
================================

the solicitation includes a phone number and numerous "owner codes" and "vehicle codes" and options for "warranty extensions".

Mrs. Simmons, fearful that her warranty has expired, and not wanting to risk losing the warranty and unable to afford potentially expensive repairs and parts calls the 1-800 number.

the associate on the phone asks her which warranty plan she has.

Mrs. Simmons is unsure

the associate says that she probably has the 3 year 30,000 mile warranty plan that most automobile manufacturers offer, and asks her if the vehicle is older than 3 years.

Mrs. Simmons says that it is older than 3 years

the associate says that she can add 3 more years of warranty coverage for $65 per month.

Mrs. Simmons purchases the coverage - not knowing (or perhaps unsure) that her husband's Cadillac is actually covered for the next 5 years by the manufacturer. She relents, enters into the contract and pays the $65 per month every month for the next 3 years. all the while she was fully covered by the manufacturer.

3 years comes and goes. Mrs. Simmons has now paid over $2,300 toward her "extended warranty plan" which is now reached it's expiration.

her manufacturer warranty was still good for another 2 years.

she literally received NOTHING for her money.

is this a dishonest, manipulative and predatory solicitation?

View Poll Results: Is this misleading and predatory solicitation?
Yes, it is. This should be illegal for companies to do.	8	80.00%
No, this is a legitimate business.	1	10.00%
Im not familiar with this solicitation or i dont know.	1	10.00%
Voters: 10. You may not vote on this poll

05-10-11, 07:10 PM	#1
GoldenRivet Subsim Aviator Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 8,726 Downloads: 146 Uploads: 0	Is this misleading and predatory solicitation? Mrs. Simmons is an elderly woman who has just lost her husband to cancer just a year ago. Her husbands cadillac, which he purchased 3 years ago was their primary means of transportation. Today, she received the following notice in the mail: ============================================ TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION *** TIME SENSATIVE MATERIAL URGENT SERVICE CONTRACT EXPIRATION Expiration Date: June 2011 - Coverage is still available if you act now. Your Owner ID is: B1E-1327 Your vehicle Make is: 2009 CADILLAC THIS LETTER IS MEANT TO INFORM YOU THAT YOUR FACTORY WARRANTY ON YOUR 2009 CADILLAC IS EXPIRED (OR IS ABOUT TO EXPIRE). YOU MAY EXTEND WARRANTY COVERAGE ON YOUR VEHICLE WITH A SERVICE CONTRACT. HOWEVER, THIS COVERAGE OFFER EXPIRES ON 04 JUNE 2011 YOU MUST CALL BEFORE 04 JUNE 2011 IN ORDER TO EXTEND YOUR VEHICLE WARRANTY COVERAGE. ================================ the solicitation includes a phone number and numerous "owner codes" and "vehicle codes" and options for "warranty extensions". Mrs. Simmons, fearful that her warranty has expired, and not wanting to risk losing the warranty and unable to afford potentially expensive repairs and parts calls the 1-800 number. the associate on the phone asks her which warranty plan she has. Mrs. Simmons is unsure the associate says that she probably has the 3 year 30,000 mile warranty plan that most automobile manufacturers offer, and asks her if the vehicle is older than 3 years. Mrs. Simmons says that it is older than 3 years the associate says that she can add 3 more years of warranty coverage for $65 per month. Mrs. Simmons purchases the coverage - not knowing (or perhaps unsure) that her husband's Cadillac is actually covered for the next 5 years by the manufacturer. She relents, enters into the contract and pays the $65 per month every month for the next 3 years. all the while she was fully covered by the manufacturer. 3 years comes and goes. Mrs. Simmons has now paid over $2,300 toward her "extended warranty plan" which is now reached it's expiration. her manufacturer warranty was still good for another 2 years. she literally received NOTHING for her money. is this a dishonest, manipulative and predatory solicitation? __________________