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Signet Financial Group

Signet Financial Group review: Auto Warranty 114

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10:03 am EST
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I purchased a 72 month extended car warranty from Signet Financial Group on 11/26/04. The warranty was refundable if there were no claims on the warranty. There were no claims so in July of 2009 I requested a warranty refund in writing via regular mail. I did not recieve any information, so in September of 2009 I sumbitted another request and sent via certified mail. I recieve a letter back saying I was not a customer.

After several phone calls, message left and no response I finally did get ahold of someone live. We found out they had my information incorrectly in their system. I was then told my request had to be sent 30 days from the end of my term and I did not do that.

The term on my contract clearly states 72 months purchased on 11/26/04. My notice in July and September are well within that 30 day notice. Apparently Signet claims my term actually started on 6/13/03, a year and a half prior to me even purchasing the vehicle. How is that possible? How can someone purchase a 72 month extended warranty on a vehicle a year and a half prior to them even owning the vehicle?

That said, my July notice would still be sufficiant notice. Signet asked for a copy of the letter which I sent. They then said it wasn't good enough and I would need to provide a copy of the postmarked envelope or a certified reciept. The letter was sent to them, they have the postmarked envelope, I can't provide that to them, it's already in their possesion. Secondly, the July request was sent via regular mail, there is no certified reciept. I is not required to send requests certified per their own contract but yet they ask for it as proof.

This company is intentially deceptive on their contracts to avoid refunding warranties. A live person never answers, you only get voice mail and they rarely, if ever, call you back.

Update by kedlund
Feb 16, 2010 9:16 am EST

Ty Tyson-

Yes you would think if I purchased a 72 month warranty on 11/26/04 that I would have until 11/26/10 to request a refund, however that isn't the case. Signet claims that the 72 month warranty actually started at the "inception date", the date the vehicle was first put into service, a year and a half before I even owned it. I appears that I never really did buy a 72 month warranty or I some how managed to buy the warranty a year and a half before I even owned the vehicle? However, I did send a request to Signet for a refund in July which they 'never recieved" now they claim they don't owe me a refund. Doc R. is 100% correct in saying that Signet gives you the runaround and drags things out for months, that is actually an understatement. Best I can tell, Signets entire business model is to use intentially deceptive contracts and make customer jump through several firey hoops to get the refund and if all else fails, delay, delay, delay. In addition, their customer service is terrible. It is almost impossible to get anyone in the organization to return a phone call. In fact, I finally was able to speak with the president of Signet to complain about the poor customer service I recieved as well as my warranty refund situation and he has yet to call me back after he said he would research the situaiton and call me back. This was a month ago and I have left him a message as well as sent an email.

Update by kedlund
Jun 01, 2010 1:18 pm EDT

I have been working with the president of SFG for the last several months now. It hasn't been any more successful that working with the staff members. Case in point, I sent him an email 3 weeks ago and have made three calls directly to him since then and I am still waiting for a response. This is not the first time I have had to send multiple emails and make several phone calls before I finally get a response from the SFG president. He has also inacurrately reviewed my case information by looking at documentation from my bank by the date they sent me the information rather than the date within the actual body of the letter from the bank. Basically, he didn't even bother to read the letter! He just looked at the date they sent it to me and didn't even read what they wrote. After dealing with SFG for almost a year, it seems pretty apparent that their business model is to delay payment or make the customer jump through so many firery hoops that they don't have to give the refund. They are hoping that most people will just give up and then they can keep your money. FYI, the presidents name is Gregg Lehman and the contact information is glehman@signet-financial.com, [protected] ext. 102. By the way, in my last message from him, he was upset that I reached out to warn other customers via sites like this one and "[redacted]". It seems as if he feels I should not have done this but this company is intentionaly deceptive to customers and everyone needs to know!

Update by kedlund
Jun 22, 2010 8:31 pm EDT

It took almost a year (short by about two weeks) but I finally received my refund. I had to really keep at it and call and send emails every week. I also submitted complaints to the BBB and the AG's office. If you are due a refund from SFG, do not give up. Keep after them to get your money.

Update by kedlund
Jul 21, 2010 3:56 pm EDT

It took me almost a year and I needed to call and email every week before I got my money back. Even when I did get my money back they tried to say they were doing me a favor by giving me my money back because, according to their records, I didn't meet the requirements for the refund. Keep fighting, keep calling.

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The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

114 comments
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Fred22
US
Apr 19, 2011 1:46 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

To everyone who has been taken by Signet Financial Group PLEASE call, write or e-mail the California AttorneY Generals Office and file a complaint, it only takes a few minutes I sent a e-mail to them and received a letter back on 4/18/11 and they stated that if only a few people filed not much they could do, but if all of us filed a complaint they would take action against this company. I want my $1900.00 back from these crooks SO PLEASE FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST SIGNET FINANCIAL GROUP WITH THE CA. ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE DO NOT WAIT. My name is Rusty McCammon e-mail rustymccammon@yahoo.com

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TickRancher
Belton, US
Apr 19, 2011 4:00 pm EDT
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And while you are filing, file a complaint with the state Insurance Commissioner at www.insurance.ca.gov. Signet was sued by them in 2002 because they were acting like an insurance company.

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merz
Powell, US
Apr 23, 2011 5:42 pm EDT
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I am yet another person caught up on this SFG full refund scam. I sent in paper work in August 2010 and finally talked to someone in November. They said my papers had been received, but that it would take time to "process." I continued to call until February, at which time I was told to expect a check in the mail on March 11th. Guess what? I called and heard the message, "This office will be closed until further notice." I got online to find hundreds of like complaints. I am owed $1, 450.00 from SFG. I am from a small Wyoming town so I feel well out of any loop that could demand anything. My dealership is looking into "things" but I have little hope of any compensation... Stuck in Wyo

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brdirkse
Fruitport, US
Apr 25, 2011 9:35 pm EDT

Ah crap, my warranty with SFG is set to expire on April 28, 2011 after 7 years. I called about every other year to make sure things would be in order for my refund and now this. Looks like we are SOL or in for a fight. I have already filed a complaint with the California Attorney Generals office so now I guess I wait to hear from them. Not happy...

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TickRancher
Belton, US
Apr 25, 2011 11:00 pm EDT
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I got a letter today from the California Attorney General's office, which had a copy of Signet's 'we don't have any money, so we're closing the door' statement. The letter said that since Signet is 'out of business', there's nothing they can do. Any further action would need to come from my own attorney.

Seems like the best bet is to complain to the California Insurance Commissioner. They would need to force Signet's backup insurance with Hannover RE to pay up.

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Very frustrated!
Mona, US
Apr 26, 2011 7:53 pm EDT

I got the same letter yesterday, saying Signet is out of money and they are closed. So I am writing letters to the company that sold
me the fraudulant warrenty.

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Shannb
Hood River, US
Apr 27, 2011 12:05 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I am also a victom of this group. Where you able to contact anyone to get more info on the refunds?

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PISSED OFF IN DELAWARE
Middletown, US
Apr 27, 2011 11:49 pm EDT

Well it is interesting to see I am not the only one having MAJOR issues with this company called Signet Financial Group. I purchased my extended warrenty on my Durango. Once it expired, I did what was required to get my refund. Called within the 30 days. Received the paper work I needed to fill out and retuned it way before the time frame suggested by Signet. I have called, left messages, sent a letter to the VP and AVP. As of today, I tried to visit Signet's web site and it comes up "UNDER CONSTRUCTION". I tried calling and get no where. This company appears to have taken my money are feel off the face of the earth.

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TheTinfoil
Vancouver, US
Apr 27, 2011 11:57 pm EDT
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For those in Oregon who may have purchased the vehicle through any of the Russ dealerships, I heard back from Cathy at Russ Beaverton Toyota today, and their attorney is working with Signet's insurer to make sure that payments that are owed end up being paid. They'll want copies of whatever has been sent to Signet, including certified mail receipts if you have them. It's more work, but at least it's finally a positive lead.

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connie
akron, US
Apr 29, 2011 12:14 am EDT

this company is a ripoff, is there any restitution?

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connie
akron, US
Apr 29, 2011 12:15 am EDT

this company is obviously bogus, is there anyway to get our money back that is due us?

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Bonzelle
Sandy, US
Apr 30, 2011 6:04 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

So it looks like they have folded.. I had the same experience as just about everyone: jumped through all the hoops, didn't get a check when they said it would be issued (a full 6 months after beginning the process), made many phone calls to them, left messages, etc., with nil results. Finally got frustrated about 6 weeks ago and called the car dealer who had sold me the policy. They said that they did not use Signet any more because they had received similar complaints. The dealer said they would contact Signet and that one way or another, even if they, the dealer, had to cover it, I would get my refund. They called Signet and within an hour, Greg Lehman called me on the phone sounding very apologetic and sincere, and the next week I had my check via registered mail. I put that thing in the bank immediately and it cleared -- I am obviously one of the lucky ones to escape this scam. I don't say this to rub it in to you who are now seemingly stuck, but to encourage you to contact your dealer. If they are reputable like mine (Mark Miller Toyota in Salt Lake City, kudos to them!), then they will make good on what they sold you.

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david5818
US
May 06, 2011 4:50 pm EDT

I'm at the end of my warranty period. After reading these complaints, I called the dealer where I purchased the warranty and the car. They said that Signet Financial Group was out of business. The dealer is going to make good on the warranty and cut me a check. They said contacting SFG was a waste of time.

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goodlife
Portland, US
May 17, 2011 1:37 am EDT
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I too purchased it in 2004 and ready to file for refund. I guess there is not sense contacting SFG. david5818 - which dealer did you buy your car from? I am hopeing my dealer will be just as nice. I am calling Vic Alfonso today.

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ReallyMadNow
Rochester, US
Jun 03, 2011 4:57 pm EDT
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Is anyone making any progress on this? I have filed a complaint with the BBB in Western NY and with the FTC (reference # [protected]) . I'm in the process of filing with the NYS AG's office. In March, my dealer, Holtz House of Vehicles, said that they would refund the money to me. Guess what? No check from them, either. Pretty stupid on their part considering that I'm driving around in a 2005 Honda Accord with 120, 000 miles on it. I'll be needing a new car soon, but I'll never go there again. In addition to SFG, I've included the dealer in all of my complaints. They knew they were selling us crap when they sold it to us. I'll post updates here.

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TheTinfoil
Vancouver, US
Jun 03, 2011 5:32 pm EDT
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In my case, once I called Beaverton Toyota to ask for help, they asked for copies of everything I sent to Signet, and followed up with me when I hadn't sent one of the forms. They said they were having their attorney work with the insurer for Signet to get payments issued. Last communication was a few weeks ago, but I'm optimistic. At least someone is taking some responsibility.

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ReallyMadNow
Rochester, US
Jun 09, 2011 2:43 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Well, the BBB closed my complaint. John Holtz Honda says that the dispute is between me and SFG. In March, Holtz Honda said that they would be refunding my money, but now that SFG is closed, and they know that they won't be able to get the money back, I'm basically out of luck. So, what ever you do, don't do business with John Holtz Honda in Rochester, NY! This is really stupid on their part because I'll never go there again, and I'll be in the market for a new car soon.

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refundstolen
Portland, US
Jun 13, 2011 6:13 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

As of March 2011 Signet Financial Group has defaulted on all extended warranty agreements invovling over 1200 dealerships which affects thousands of citizens who purchased these agreements.
Where is the money? Why aren't the automakers like Toyota and the dealerships filing a class action suit to retrieve our money? This is robbery. Please notify your state attorney genreral and US attorney general. Make you voice heard. We deserve our refund.

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J.Moore
Burton, US
Jul 11, 2011 6:50 pm EDT

Does anyone know about a class action lawsuit yet? J.Moore

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TheTinfoil
Vancouver, US
Jul 19, 2011 6:02 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have an update for the folk dealing with Signet in Oregon, who purchased through the Russ Auto dealerships. They have set up an update line a [protected]. According to Cathy Lowe, they have submitted a ton of paperwork on the US Department of Justice, who is working to resolve the matter with Signet's insurer. That phone number should have information on it by next week.

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connie
akron, US
Oct 18, 2011 11:32 pm EDT

my fiance just got suckered into one of these extended warranties which I am sure he's never going to use...BUT, the dealer added the warranty onto the price of the car and it wasn't known until we were checking out the paperwork later on...WATCH EVERY LINE in your transactions folks...the dealers get big perks for these bogus warranties...MIND YOU...the warranty is void if you so much as miss one maintenance service by a day AND the service is $100 deductible anyway...forget it!

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Gulbert
US
Feb 08, 2012 7:39 pm EST

Purchased an extended warranty through Signet Financial (big mistake). At the end of my 48 months I sent certified letter to the PO box as instructed and now they wont pick it up. I called the number only to get the same recording over and over. I emailed the so called CEO Gregg Lehman and sent numerous emails. So far no response. I am probably out $1158.00.

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Lisso
US
Mar 07, 2012 1:48 pm EST

I purchased an extended warranty on my 2006 Toyota Corolla with the agreement if repairs were not needed and extended warranty not used, the full purchase price would be refunded. I was just notified they are no longer in business and I will most likely not see my $1, 300 refund. This kind of business practice gives a bad name to all businesses of this type.

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beethaovin1
Clinton, US
Jul 24, 2013 4:04 am EDT

I too got screw by these people. now think the car dealership that sold it should be held accountable for it too. It not right to have then sell us anything that is not good. other why we will never buy from them again and once everyone finds out, they will go out of business.
They are pissing off way too many people, if the law don't step in and resolved the issue and aloud Signet Financial Group to continue to sell these service contract. someone is going to get hurt. We'll have to just set back and wait until they rip off the wrong person for that to happen. They can rip me off now, I will not be poor because of the money. but Karma is a ### when it hit. They whole world will be watching and all whom they ripped off will be contemp. I know I would be.

What Can I do about it really? I think the government is behind it since nothing have been done about it.

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cutterhorse
Harrington, US
Sep 16, 2013 1:22 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I bought a auto from Dennis Dillon of Boise Idaho in 2003 they talked me in to buying a Signet Financial Group service contract after 72 months I was to get $2000 that I had payed them back well guess what They said the check was in the mail but I never got it I called the dealer several times they said they never made any money on these service contracts so they said they were not going to refund me any thing. All they did for me was to get nasty with me I have a wife with cancer and we needed the money bad. I would not trust a Dealer that well not help there customers. Les

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maggie13
Greeley, US
Oct 10, 2013 9:00 pm EDT

I also got Suckered by the dealership to purchase the Extended Warranty bucked by Signet Financial Group. I purchased Honda Accord in 2008 and got talked into buying the Extended Service until 2013 for $1650 by the Honda of Greeley, CO. When I asked for my refund of my money, the financial director at the Honda of Greeley, told me: "YOU ARE OUT OF LUCK" as the company bankrupted. Then he provided me some bogus information that the Signet Financial Group was a Financial Backup to the First Extended Service Corporation - this is the insurance company. When I called the insurance company I was told that The Signet Financial Group was a financial back up for the Honda of Greeley.
The Honda of Greeley gave me a statement issued by them that they are not responsible for any refunds for the extended warranty and are not affiliated with Signet Financial Group.
The phone number to the Signet is wrong, it is some kind of "Sex on Line" [protected]."
I blame the Honda of Greeley for selling such service and then not standing by their customers. If it would not be for the Dealership, I would never buy the Extended Warranty, but they persuaded me saying what do I have to lose since the money will be refunded if the warranty is not used.
Shame on the Signet Financial Group and Double Shame on the Dealerships that engaged in fraudulent business practices.
Will never buy another car from Honda of Greeley, CO. This is a very expensive lesson. Wonder how much money Honda of Greeley got for this as well as many more fraudulent contracts?
We need to file a law suit against all the Dealerships that were and are selling the extended services Dealerships should be responsible for what they sell to customers! If they are not responsible, they do not care as the money do not come from their pocket. They would think twice before selling something fraudulent contracts!

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Tim Mathern
Fargo, US
Nov 05, 2013 8:50 am EST

I purchased a service contract on a travel trailer with a full service contract refund agreement. The contract with a "no risk- no lose guarantee" cost me $1584.00. When I tried to get the refund after responsibly never using the service I was told by service company, Route 66 RV Network, that I was to contact the dealer that sold me the policy as Route 66 has no responsibility for the sale or refund of the contract. I contacted the dealer, McLaughlin Enterprises, who told me that the insurance company, Signet Financial Group, has gone out of business and was sued by the Attorney General of California but no assets were found so no refund is possible. Another example of a company bilking the public out of millions of dollars. Crooks in business suits, another reason we need more government regulation. Senator Tim Mathern

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Joe Gleason
Elwood, US
Jun 02, 2014 9:46 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Based on what I have read, looks like a lot of consumers have been shafted by this company and looks like no body will ever get a

refund, so that be said, if there is a class action suit out there forming, I would like to join them and this suit should include every dealer

or agency & or car company or business that is or was involved in selling these bogus contracts, Like all that have left comments in

the past, unless someone starts the process, it looks as if the consumer has been screwed over once again. any business that can't

stand behind what they sell will soon be out of business, it is just a matter of time, seems since the last letter was signed by a state

senator, this is not going anywhere should someone try contact me. Thanks Joe Gleason

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CE Johnson
Ipsiwch, US
Sep 16, 2014 12:34 pm EDT

Here's a question: What was the portion Signet paid to the dealer as kickback/commission? While getting the full amount back is likely a lost cause, going after whatever amount this is from the dealer is completely justified and the minimum any dealer who gives a hoot about their customers should do. Anybody know? If I can't get at least that back I'm going to throw some serious online bad will against the dealer - but I'll give them a chance to do the minimal thing first.

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signet warranty cheaters
Valley Cottage, US
Oct 23, 2014 1:02 pm EDT

I have been cheated by this warranty company and am glad that there are also many others in the same boat. the FBI and Attorney General should investigate this company for fraud and additional counts for not honoring the refund policy. They should be punished and sent to jail and pay damages. The Dealerships also have a hand in this fraud, they served as sale agents for this fraudulent company and share in the culpability for they also profited by cheating customers who signed for extended warranties.

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JeanGray1
US
Oct 23, 2014 4:27 pm EDT

Wow I never heard about this. after declining the extended warranty, I too was offered the full refund if not used warranty but I'm not sure if it was through Signet... I'll have to check it when I get home. Anyways, my 5 year warranty expired this month and when I contacted my dealership, Sunnyside Acura of Amherst NH, to initiate the refund process, they said there's no such thing! I got duped.

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Gerald Peters
US
Feb 15, 2016 12:23 pm EST

I purchased an extended warranty from Dolan Toyota Reno Nevada on 01-29-2014 and it was issued by signet Financial Group. I was told by the finance manager that they would refund my money if the warranty wasn't used, of which it wasn't . Now I find out that Dolan Automotive issued an bogus warranty program and I want my money back.

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douglas allen
morrice, US
Aug 24, 2016 4:29 am EDT

was told check mailed Jan. 13th and never got it. then was told they would stop payment and mail a new one. well here it is march 29th and no check and i can not get any one to return a call left 3 messages for accounting and 2 messages with mr. Greg lehman president and no response.

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Irate in Texas
US
Dec 06, 2016 11:45 am EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

This is the cheapest of all scams! I've contacted the Plano, Texas Toyota company will all the documentation and told them I was shocked they would deal with such a company and they should return my refund of an unused Toyota extended warranty through Signet. I'm surprised there isn't a Class Action suit against Signet and Toyota.

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