WICHITA —The Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Sedgwick County District Attorney warns residents of to exercise extreme caution regarding unsolicited mailers offering home warranty services, according to DA Marc Bennett.
The Division was recently informed about a postcard mailed to a senior citizen in Sedgwick County. The bold, large font title stating “County Deed Records” is deceptive, given that the mailer has no association with the County or the homeowner’s deed. It appears designed to scare consumers into acting out of fear, concerned there may be an issue involving their property ownership.
The real subject matter of the mailing is a homeowner’s warranty, some of which may cost thousands of dollars per year and can be difficult to cancel.
In addition, the statement “REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION” and references to “a lapse in coverage” and “uninterrupted protection” are also deceptive because they imply the homeowner had warranty coverage in the past when that is not true.
In addition to the deception, the Consumer Protection Division also warns consumers to question the legitimacy of any mailer, such as this one, that does not clearly identify who the sender is.
Please look out for your friends and neighbors too, especially those who may be experiencing cognitive decline. These types of mailers intentionally prey on their anxieties, vulnerabilities and ability to recall events.