Consumer columnist and West Hartford resident Harlan Levy has more than 20 years of experience writing stories about everyday experiences that anyone could encounter. 

By Harlan Levy

For years I’ve watched countless TV ads for CarShield, the car-repair warranty outfit featuring lead spokes-actor Ice T, from the “Law & Order SVU” TV show, promoting the hell out of the service.

But last week, the Federal Trade Commission blasted the hell out of CarShield – with a $10 million fine and charges of false advertising and lying to consumers.

CarShield advertises and sells Vehicle Service Contracts (VSCs) for about $80 to $120 a month. As you may know, its ads often feature celebrities like Ice T and ESPN sports commentator Chris Berman who promise consumers that buying a CarShield service plan will provide them with “peace of mind” and “protection” from the cost and inconvenience of vehicle breakdowns, which will inevitably occur, they assert. CarShield, the ads say, is “your best line of defense against expensive breakdowns.”

It’s always been frustrating and irritating to see this strongly positive ad, when I’ve read scattered reviews saying CarShield’s VSCs are not worth it; newer model cars don’t break down much, and any major problems are usually covered by a manufacturer’s standard warranty.

So,  worth it or not worth it?

The FTC emphatically said “not worth it,” charging that many ads claim that all necessary repairs or repairs to “covered” systems, such as the engine and transmission, will be covered, when they’re not, despite making payments of up to $120 per month.

[Note: While writing this column with the TV news on in the background, up popped Ice T again, exuberant as ever.]

CarShield’s pitch is that they can go to their favorite garage for repairs, and, whether they use a dealer or local mechanic for the repair work, “there is just a $100 deductible for any covered repair.” However, the FTC said, many consumers could not use the repair facility of their choice, as many do not accept the VSCs. Many consumers also found that none of CarShield’s VSCs cover all repairs or even repairs to “covered” vehicle systems. Instead, the plans contain scores of exclusions. Consumers with denied claims receive no rental car, while many consumers with “approved” claims must pay a portion of their rental car costs.

In addition, while CarShield’s celebrity endorsers said they had signed up and used the company’s VSCs, in many cases this was not true. They were not “real” customers and had never saved money by using a CarShield VSC.

Finally, the FTC charged, many CarShield ads deceptively feature consumer endorsers who claim to have saved a specific amount of money using their plans but have not in fact saved that amount.

The proposed settlement – to be approved by a judge – prohibits CarShield from lying about any endorser’s ownership, use of, or experience with any product or service and imposes standard reporting and compliance requirements to remain for up to 10 years. The $10 million fine – which must be paid within seven days of when the court approves the settlement, expected soon – will reimburse consumers who were ripped off.

Fruit flies

Our kitchen has been invaded by fruit flies, although we are always careful to never leave uncovered food out, mindful of the fact that female fruit flies can quickly lay hundreds of eggs on overripe fruit, resulting in an explosion of maggots.

What to do? We found that a half cup of apple cider vinegar, a piece of fruit, and a shot or two of dish detergent on top in a small glass jar attracts the bugs like singles to a dating site. According to Goodhousekeeping.com, the dish soap will reduce the liquid’s surface tension, so that any fruit fly landing on the surface drowns.

Another homemade fly killer: Pour some apple cider vinegar into a glass. Cover the top with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band. Make small holes in the plastic wrap for the fruit flies to enter and never depart.

Now you know.

NOTE: If you have a consumer problem, contact me at [email protected] (“Consumer” in subject line), and, with the power of the press, maybe I can help.

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