The Consumer Protection Division of the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s office is warning residents to watch out for a home warranty renewal scam.
The office said several people have reported receiving what appeared to be a check for $199 in the mail. The check was titled “Registraton Fee Voucher” and it appeared to be from “County Deed Records.” The letter is not associated with the county Register of Deeds office and it is not authorized by county government.
The check is part of a document called “Final Notice from Home Warranty Direct,” and it warns homeowners that their home warranty is expiring. It directs the homeowner to call a toll free number to get more information, and people who call the number are urged to sign up for a home warranty. The letter has publicly available information including the homeowner’s name, address and the name of their mortgage lender.
The DA’s office said people should never give out personal information over the phone to anyone they don’t know. Letters that use language to appear urgent or threatening are almost always a scam, and they will try to get you to act with out doing research.
The DA’s office said the number appears to be associated with a company that was given an F rating by the Better Business Bureau. People in Tennessee, Vermont and Utah have also reported similar mailings. Anyone who gets a mailing like this should avoid falling for the scam and they should report it to consumer@sedgwick.gov
