When Dianne of Bloomfield, Conn., received a brightly printed postcard promising “$309.64 in grocery & gas vouchers,” she grew suspicious and contacted the consumer‑protection team at NBC Connecticut Responds. The mailing, which bore the acronym AAPP, closely resembled the well‑known AARP brand, leading many recipients to believe the offer was legitimate.
How the scheme works
The postcard urged an immediate response, featuring a QR code that directed callers to a phone number for All American Protection Plans. A representative told Dianne that the vouchers would be delivered on a prepaid Visa gift card after she paid a $5 processing fee. The call center also mentioned a $45‑per‑month roadside‑assistance membership, describing it as the company’s way of making money and providing service.
When NBC Connecticut asked to speak with a manager, the call was transferred to a different representative who sold a separate product under another company name. The representative later admitted that the description of the vouchers as a gift card was inaccurate and said the company would retrain staff. Following the interview, the company changed its automated greeting to clarify that the vouchers are not gift cards.
Consumer‑protection alerts
The Better Business Bureau issued a scam alert in July about a similar mailer. According to the BBB, consumers who paid the $5 processing fee often found themselves enrolled in a $45 monthly membership. Instead of receiving the promised prepaid Visa cards, many were sent low‑value coupons that offered little benefit.
AARP, which has no affiliation with the AAPP mailing, confirmed awareness of the scheme and warned that consumers should be cautious of offers that appear to come from trusted organizations. “Free‑money” promotions that look official often hide recurring fees and misleading terms, the group said.
What residents should do
Consumers who receive unsolicited offers promising large savings should carefully review the fine print, verify the company’s name, and be wary of any required payment before receiving a product. If a mailing asks for a processing fee or enrollment in a recurring membership, it is wise to research the company through the Better Business Bureau or the state attorney general’s office.
Bloomfield residents and others throughout Connecticut are encouraged to report suspicious mailings to local consumer‑protection agencies and to share their experiences with neighbors, helping to prevent further exploitation.
Local response
Bloomfield’s town clerk’s office reminded citizens that the municipality does not endorse any private voucher programs and that official communications from town government will always include clear contact information and a municipal seal. The clerk urged anyone who has already paid a fee to contact their bank to dispute the charge and to keep records of all correspondence.
As more scammers adopt the names of reputable nonprofits, vigilance remains the best defense. By staying informed and questioning offers that seem too good to be true, Connecticut consumers can protect their wallets and avoid unwanted monthly charges.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
