A Connecticut woman questioned a mail offer promising more than $300 in grocery and gas vouchers, and NBC Connecticut Responds found that the offer required a $5 processing fee and a $45-per-month roadside assistance membership.

Dianne, of Bloomfield, contacted the consumer team after receiving a postcard that appeared legitimate and included an urgent call to action.

“URGENT – ACTION REQUIRED! AAPP is holding $309.64 in grocery & gas vouchers.”

The postcard included a QR code that led to a phone number. When NBC Connecticut Responds called, we reached All American Protection Plans. The company’s website says it offers roadside assistance and savings on technology repairs and oil changes.

The representative said the $300 in vouchers would be provided as a prepaid Visa gift card after payment of a $5 processing fee.

When NBC Connecticut asked to speak with a manager, the representative transferred the call to someone selling a different product under a different company name.

Better Business Bureau issued alert about similar mailer

The Better Business Bureau issued a scam alert in July involving a similar mailer. The organization said people who paid the processing fee often found themselves enrolled in a $45 monthly membership. Instead of gift cards, the consumers received low-value coupons, according to the alert.

NBC Connecticut Responds emailed All American Protection Plans about the offer.

The company said the $45 monthly charge pays for its roadside assistance program and is how the business makes money. It said the membership terms are explained to consumers and that customers authorize their enrollment.

All American Protection Plans also said the Better Business Bureau alert involved a different company.

When asked why the call center representative described the vouchers as a gift card, the company said it would retrain its staff. Following NBC Connecticut Responds’ questions, its automated greeting was changed to state that the vouchers are not gift cards.

AARP says it is not affiliated with AAPP

The name AAPP closely resembles AARP, but AARP said it is aware of the mailer and is not affiliated with the company.

AARP said consumers should be cautious about free-money offers, particularly when a mailing “may be designed to look like it comes from a trusted organization.”

Consumers who receive an offer that appears too good to be true should carefully review the terms, recurring fees, and company name before providing payment information.