Home warranty & deed scam

Mailers designed to look like government or mortgage documents warn that your home warranty is 'about to expire' and you must call immediately. They use public property records to look legitimate. The call leads to an overpriced, near-worthless service contract — or simply harvests your card details. Similar letters offer to sell you a copy of your property deed for $90 when the county charges a few dollars.

• Urgent 'final notice' language about a warranty you never bought
• Logos and wording designed to look like a government agency
• A deadline with a toll-free number as the only way to respond
• Requests for card details over the phone to 'lock in' coverage

"FINAL NOTICE — PROPERTY RECORD: Our records indicate your home warranty at 123 Main St is EXPIRING. Failure to respond may leave you responsible for all repairs. Call 1-800-XXX-XXXX."

1. 01Ignore letters about services you never purchased.
2. 02Check with your actual mortgage lender or county office if unsure.
3. 03Never give payment details to an unsolicited caller.
4. 04Report deceptive mailers to the FTC and your state attorney general.