‘Deceptive’ postcard arriving in local mailboxes. Don’t fall for it, DA’s office says
An official-looking mailer that’s made an appearance in at least one Sedgwick County mailbox is a scare tactic that could pose a financial danger, especially to older residents.
The postcard-sized mailer is covered in urgent language, telling recipients that “registration is required for continued protection” and warning that inaction could result in a “lapse of coverage.”
But it’s not a legitimate letter from any branch of government, including local “County Deed Records,” as the postcard suggests.
It’s really an advertising offer trying to sell home warranty services.
Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett’s office is warning residents about the “deceptive” piece of unsolicited mail after it was alerted recently that at least one senior citizen had received it.
“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,” the DA’s office said in a news release Tuesday.
“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.”
The mailers are deceptive “because they imply the homeowner had warranty coverage in the past when that is not true,” according to the news release.
The DA’s office is urging residents to “exercise extreme caution” with these types of home warranty offers and to question the legitimacy of any similar mail that doesn’t clearly identify the sender.
“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,” the DA’s office said.
If you receive one of these mailers — or anything that looks suspicious — you can contact your local consumer protection or law enforcement agency for more information or to report it.
In Sedgwick County, you can make a report to the DA’s Consumer Protection Division by calling 316-660-3600 or 800-432-6878, emailing consumer@sedgwick.gov or using the online complaint form posted at www.sedgwickcounty.org/district-attorney/consumer-protection-division.
You can also report scams to the Federal Trade Commission at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov.
