When you get an alert about your car being at risk for major repairs you pay attention. That's what's happening right now to people all over the country.

A yellow card comes in the mail urging you to call within 72 hours. If you own a car, your name and address could be on the mailing list, but don't be misled by what it implies.

At first glance, the notice looks official:

"Final Notice! Re-establish protection. Call within 72 hours.

The sender's name even sounds official -- Consumer Protection Services in Washington, DC.

"I was absolutely appalled!" said Alma Chastain, who received one of the cards. "With it stamped 'Final Notice,' you know, It looks like I'd better do something about this."

Alma allowed me to call the number as just a consumer, on her behalf, to find out what the cards are all about.

I got a series of recorded messages telling me all the agents were busy. Finally, after about seven minutes, I got a man named Carlos.

He told me the company worked with manufacturers and said they sell extended warranties for after the original manufacturer's warranty expires.

"We offer it when it makes more sense," he said.

He talked fast, but he wasn't very clear.

I asked him if the car manufacturers gave his company the names and addresses of the car owners, but he continued to talk over me, saying he wasn't being paid to answer the questions I was asking -- only to take calls and offer extended warranties.

He eventually acknowledged he was selling extended warranties using leads based on mailing lists of car owners. He said the profile lists came from Polk Automotive and Experian.

According to the Missouri Better Business Bureau, the company, Consumer Protection Services, has a history of complaints and an unsatisfactory record with the bureau.

It also does business under the names CPS Warranty Division, Summit Financial and Car Hill Enterprises.

Some of the complaints include advertising, billing, collections, service, repairs and refunds.

But here's the real rub for Alma:

"I don't even have a car!" she said. "I got rid of that 3 years ago when I couldn't drive anymore."

Not only does she not drive, the 80-year-old great grandmother is in a wheelchair! The only driving she does is with a joystick.

Alma eventually took the phone and asked Consumer Protection Services to take her name off their list.

The Better Business Bureau says Consumer Protection Services is one of several companies that sells extended warranties on older, high-mileage cars, and these companies generate hundreds of complaints.

So don't buy an extended warranty based on a card in the mail or phone call from a complete stranger.

With many high-mileage cars, the money you pay for a warranty may be better spent on the actual repairs that may come up.

For More Information:

http://www.stlouis.bbb.org/commonreport.html?compid=310006695

http://www.stlouis.bbb.org/news101204.html