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Gas and grocery prices are high, but a mailer circulating with offers of “free” gift cards is a scam, according to West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey.
State residents have reported receiving a postcard from “AAPP”. That is not AARP. It claims gas and grocery vouchers are available for a $5 processing fee. Instead of the promised free gas and grocery voucher, victims are charged another $46, making the total loss $51.
“With the cost of groceries and gasoline going up, more families are looking for ways to make a dollar stretch—especially those on a fixed income,” McCuskey said. “Scammers know this and are taking advantage of people who need a little financial relief. We want to get the word out about this scam to prevent West Virginians from falling prey to fraudsters.”
The postcards may include tracking numbers, expiration dates, and barcodes—all intended to make the offer look legitimate. Some use urgent language including “Limited time offer,” “Expiring soon,” or “Final notice.”
Once financial or payment information is provided, any of these scenarios may happen:
- Unauthorized additional charges appear on the consumer’s account
- The consumer is unknowingly entered into a monthly subscription program
- The promised gift cards never arrive or low-value coupons or promotions are received instead
- The company is difficult or impossible to contact for a refund
The Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Division recommends taking these precautions:
- Be wary of any contest winnings, awards or rewards, especially if you didn’t enter
- Never pay money to claim prizes, real contests don’t require payment
- Never provide personal or financial information in response to unsolicited contact by mail, email, text or phone
- Never send money to people you haven’t met in person
- Research before you trust. Verify identities, companies, and claims independently
Find out more about scams, ways to protect yourself, and file a scam report at ago.wv.gov. Or call the Consumer Protection Hotline and speak with the Scam Coordinator at 1-800-368-8808.