Q: So what is the deal about all the warranty calls I receive every week? I sometimes get them twice a week, and from all over the country, claiming my car warranty needs too be extended.
None of these calls are from the company that sold me my car. Why is this scam not being pursued by the proper agencies for managing these scams?
Randy Cobb, Los Gatos
A: The agency for this is the Federal Communications Commission. They are trying. The FCC says this scam, where callers pretend be representatives of a car dealer, manufacturer or insurer claiming that your auto warranty or insurance is about to expire, is the biggest complaint the FCC gets.
The call typically includes a pitch for renewing your warranty, sometimes asserting that they are giving you one last chance, and promising a rebate.The FCC says that what makes it particularly hard to discern if this type of call is fraudulent is that the scammer may have information about your specific car and warranty that they use to deceive you into thinking they are a legitimate caller.
Ignore these crooks. Never provide any personal information, such as a Social Security number, credit card information, driver’s license number or bank account information to any caller.
Don’t fall for their pitch, or that of other telephone scammers. Be extremely cautious. Go to consumercomplaints.fcc.gov to file a complaint.
Q: I’m such a loner that “Spam Risk” is my new best friend! He calls me every day!
S.White
A: A good one. Spam callers try to be everyone’s best friend.
Q: Regarding express lanes, do I have to have my FasTrak transponder displayed on my windshield, or are there cameras that read my license plate to charge for using the express lanes?
Sam Carrier
A: If you have a regular FasTrak account or a FasTrak license plate account, cameras will be used to debit your account. You need to use a FasTrak Flex tag for free travel when operating a carpool with three or more people in your vehicle.
Q. My daughter, nearing the “deadline” for applying for her marriage license, would like to know if she can change her middle name to two middle names.
The Santa Clara County clerk has no problem issuing the marriage certificate in this manner, but will the DMV allow two middle names? Is there a maximum number of characters for the given name?
B.M., San Jose
A: Two middle names are allowed on a REAL ID driver’s license and/or identification card. The maximum number of characters for the applicant’s true full name is 54 characters and spaces.
Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow, or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.
Source: www.mercurynews.com