Consumers Nationwide Complain to BBB About Free Gas Gift Card Program
Businesses, consumers and brokers said to have been misled by Mesa company
Submitted by Felicia N. Thompson, Director of Marketing & Communications, Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau is alerting businesses and consumers about Mesa company BBZ Resource Management after receiving complaints from 40 states about its gas/grocery gift card voucher program.
BBZ Resource Management claims to help businesses increase sales and retain customers by offering them the opportunity to advertise free gas and grocery gift cards. BBZ hires brokers from the United States and Canada to approach businesses and sell the program in which the companies purchase gift card vouchers to offer to their customers. Complaints filed with Better Business Bureau stem from consumers’ failed attempts to turn the vouchers into redeemable gas and grocery gift cards.
“We have received over 225 complaints about this company from consumers nationwide who have not received their cards or have other issues with the company,” BBB Operations Director Carrie Ann Lorimer said. “More than 100 of those complaints are in still in the dispute resolution process.”
In addition, some BBZ brokers have contacted Better Business Bureau with liability concerns as they also have received complaints from businesses and consumers about delays and non-receipt of the cards.
“After doing some research on the company, we have reason to believe BBZ Resource Management is run by Troy Warren who has been linked to questionable business dealings in the past,” Lorimer said.
Over the past 30 days, BBB has received thousands of requests by phone and web from individuals wanting to read the company’s report. BBZ Resource Management has responded to some complaints, yet the company has an F rating with Better Business Bureau due to the serious nature of some complaints and failure to correct the underlying reason for the complaints. The majority of complaints concern:
- Non-receipt of gift cards after following the company’s instructions
- Delay of up to 20 weeks before receiving gift cards
- Received gift card not activated
- Received gift card is for a gas station outside of consumer’s area
Free Gas/Grocery Offer
Retailers who have signed up to participate in BBZ’s voucher program are advertising anywhere from a $100 to $500 free gas or grocery gift card with purchase. Consumers who make a purchase from a participating retailer receive a voucher that instructs them to register online to receive the free gift card(s).
After registering, consumers must then purchase $100 dollars worth of gas a month and send in receipts to BBZ before the end of that month. Once the consumer follows those instructions they are suppose to receive their first $25 gift card. Thereafter they are supposed to receive $25 gas cards each month with a $100 gas purchase until they have received the original advertised amount.
“Essentially there are three groups being misled in this scenario, the business, consumer and the broker,” BBB President/CEO Matthew Fehling said. “It’s unfortunate that honest businesses have gotten caught up in this situation and in turn are losing the trust of their customers. It’s equally as frustrating for the consumers who thought they were making a purchase to redeem gas or groceries and end up empty-handed.”
Better Business Bureau has connected BBZ Resource Management to the following websites:
http://www.freegrocerycenter.com
http://www.freegas4business.com
http://www.gasandgrocerydepot.com
http://www.petroleumpromotions.com
http://www.saveonhealthcare.org
http://www.theworldsoneperfectbusiness.com
http://www.claimyourmerchandise.com
http://www.claimyourgroceries.com
http://freefuelnationwide.com/
http://fuelpromos.com/main/request
Although the company denies affiliation, the duplicate privacy policy on each site connects back to BBZ. On top of that, the company’s letterhead has changed to read Incentive International.
Consumers who wish to file a complaint are encouraged to do so online with Better Business Bureau at www.arizonabbb.org and the Arizona Attorney General’s office at www.agaz.gov. Better Business Bureau advises strong caution to any business considering participation in BBZ Resource Management’s incentive program.
About BBB Serving Central, Northern & Western Arizona
BBB is an unbiased organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. Incorporated locally in 1938, today your BBB serves communities in Central, Northern and Western Arizona, supported by over 10,000 BBB Accredited Businesses. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability ReportsTM and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust.
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