Sheriff’s Office Warns Of Warranty Scam

 In Local News

The Newberry County Sheriff’s Department is reporting that numerous people have been receiving calls advising them that their warranty has run out and that it needs immediate attention.

One of the varieties has been to spoof the phone number of Stokes-Trainor GM Dealership and try to sell an extended warranty. One caller even used the name of an employee to add to the confidence scam. While Stokes-Trainor is a full service GM dealership and does manufacture’s warranty service, it does not call people about extended warranties nor does General Motors. According to Joe Trainor, owner of Stokes-Trainor, before purchasing any type of warranty or automotive products over the telephone or through mail, one should call the dealership or the manufacturer of the automobile to verify the validity of any warranties.

Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster said always be cautious of any products offered over the phone. “We are living in a time that you just cannot trust your caller ID due to technologies and apps on phones that allow the mocking of telephone numbers. Verify before spending any money over the phone, mail, or internet.”

Scam calling has grown in the last few years, but they always pick up during holiday seasons due to people’s generosity and people looking for deals.