The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be extremely wary of telemarketing calls and mailers which claim their auto warranty has or is about to expire.

BBB advises that the deceptive solicitations could persuade car owners to purchase an extended auto service contract of questionable value.

BBB has seen a considerable spike in both complaints and inquiries from consumers who state that they received misleading mailers or high-pressure telemarketing calls claiming their auto warranty was about to expire.

Complaints against Auto Warranty Processing Services rose by more than 40 percent over the prior year. In 2008, more than 140,000 consumers across the country contacted their BBB to confirm the legitimacy of companies claiming to sell auto warranties.