BBB warns consumers to use caution with offers promising free gas or grocery gift cards that require upfront fees or payment information. Photo courtesy of Better Business Bureau

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about postcards promising hundreds of dollars in free gas and grocery cards that may instead lead to unauthorized charges.

BBB said it has received multiple reports through its Scam Tracker from consumers who received postcards claiming gas and grocery cards or vouchers were being held in their names.

In one report, a Northwest Georgia resident received a postcard from an organization identified as “AAPP” claiming $309.64 in gas and grocery vouchers was being held for him. The resident researched the offer before responding and found reports through BBB Scam Tracker.

Other consumers reported losing money after responding to similar offers, according to BBB. Some said they initially agreed to pay a small processing fee, only to discover additional charges on their accounts.

One woman reported that her sister received a postcard from AAPP offering gas and grocery cards.

“Sister received a postcard from AAPP, Presorted 1st class mail from Tampa phone #,” the woman reported through BBB Scam Tracker. “Postcard stated she was eligible for gas & grocery cards. She agreed to the $5 processing fee, then immediately after they took another $46. Total dollars lost: $51.”

BBB said it has found no indication that consumers who reported the offers received the promised vouchers.

The mailings can appear official and may contain barcodes, tracking numbers, expiration dates and customer service telephone numbers. Some use phrases such as “limited time offer” or “final notice” to encourage recipients to respond quickly.

The offers are not always limited to gas and groceries. Similar mailings may promise rebates, shopping rewards or other benefits.

Recipients typically receive instructions to call a telephone number or visit a website to claim the offer. Consumers may then face a request for a processing, activation, shipping or handling fee, often around $5, in exchange for gift cards or vouchers purportedly worth hundreds of dollars.

BBB said consumers who provide payment information may later find unauthorized charges on their accounts. Others may unknowingly enroll in monthly subscription programs, receive low-value coupons or promotional materials instead of the promised gift cards, or have difficulty contacting the company for a refund.

BBB recommends consumers treat requests for upfront payments as a warning sign, particularly when someone claims the payment is necessary to receive a prize or reward.

Consumers should independently research companies before responding to an offer and should not rely solely on information provided on a postcard. BBB also advises against providing payment information when callers pressure consumers to act immediately.

People who have already provided payment information should monitor their bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions and contact their financial institution if they find suspicious charges.

BBB also cautions consumers about providing personal information. In addition to payment details, questionable offers may seek addresses, dates of birth, banking information or other information that could be used in future fraud attempts.

Consumers who receive questionable postcards can report them through BBB Scam Tracker at http://BBB.org/ScamTracker.

Those who have lost money should contact their bank or credit card company as soon as possible to dispute unauthorized charges. BBB also recommends reporting suspected fraud to the appropriate state consumer protection agency and the Federal Trade Commission at http://ReportFraud.ftc.gov.