Did you receive a ‘free’ gas or grocery card postcard? It’s likely part of this latest cruel scam

NewsVictims receive postcards in the mail offering free gift cards, but when they try to claim, the scam kicks in. Tetra Images | Getty ImagesBy Matt Durr | mattdurr@mlive.comThe Better Business Bureau is warning Americans of an ongoing scam that starts with a postcard and can end with victims losing money. The scam starts with victims receiving the postcard in the mail that looks like a legitimate offer for a free gift card or voucher for groceries or gas. “The postcards may include official-looking barcodes, tracking numbers, expiration dates and customer service phone numbers to create a false sense of credibility,” the BBB warns. “Some even use urgent language to pressure consumers into responding quickly before they have time to research the offer.”Some of the postcards may say the offer is for a limited time or that it’s the final offer for the target. The target is instructed to call a phone number or visit a website to claim their reward. However, once the target tries to claim the offer, they’re asked to pay a small processing fee, typically around $5. According to the BBB, once the target provides their payment information, one of several things may happen: Additional unauthorized charges appear on the consumer’s account. The consumer is unknowingly enrolled in a monthly subscription program. The promised gift cards never arrive or low-value coupons or promotional materials are received instead. The company becomes difficult—or impossible—to contact for refunds. In one instance shared by the BBB, a woman paid the $5 fee and almost immediately the scammers took an additional $46, creating a total loss of $51. The BBB says it has received multiple reports through its scam tracker page about this particular issue. Several victims reported additional unauthorized transactions on their accounts and that there’s been no indication that any vouchers were received. To avoid falling victim to this scam, or others like it, the BBB recommends: Remember that legitimate prizes don’t require you to pay first. If someone asks for a processing fee, activation fee, shipping charge or any other upfront payment before you receive your reward, consider it a major warning sign. Research the company independently. Don’t rely solely on the information printed on a postcard. Research the company’s name along with words like “BBB,” “reviews,” or “scam.” Visit BBB.org to check the company’s Business Profile, customer reviews, and complaint history. Never provide payment information under pressure. If you’re told you must act immediately, slow down. Legitimate companies won’t pressure you into making an immediate payment. Watch your bank and credit card statements carefully. If you’ve already provided payment information, review your accounts for unauthorized charges and report suspicious transactions to your financial institution immediately. Be cautious with personal information. Even if the fee is small, scammers may also be trying to collect your address, date of birth, banking information, or other personal details that could be used for future fraud. If you or someone you know received a questionable postcard or believe you’ve been targeted by this type of scam, the BBB asks that you report it to the BBB Scam Tracker.Matt has been a trending news reporter since 2016. He covers a range of topics while focusing on national lottery, automotive news and recalls, FBI warnings, scam alerts and national real estate trends....