Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is warning that consumers nationwide, including Tucson, are receiving letters stating that they have won two round-trip tickets courtesy of American Airlines or US Airlines with a retail value of up to $1,298. US Airlines is not a real company, and this letter is not from the real American Airlines.

Recipients of the letter are encouraged to call a provided number and then invited to attend a presentation. Upon arrival at the presentation, attendees discover the meeting is not hosted by American Airlines or US Airlines, but a travel package agency.

Documents acquired by BBB indicate the Florida firm behind this promotion has numerous complaints filed against them with the BBB.

BBB tips for purchasing a travel package:

• Find out exactly what the package contains in terms of transportation and accommodations and for how many people
• How much money must be given as a deposit, if the deposit is refundable, and how much is later required.
• Get the name of the hotel, personally confirm all reservations, and get written verification.
• Before you decide to accept this type of offer do comparative shopping with a local travel agency before making your final decision. Companies that offer this type of service in Florida are required to be registered with the Sellers of Travel Act at 800-435-7352.
• Do not be pressured by any company to give an immediate decision or to give your cash, check, or credit card number until you are satisfied

For additional information and advice you can trust, start with bbb.org.

Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is warning property owners to be wary of official looking mailers attempting to sell consumers the deeds to their own properties for much more money than they would pay at a county office.

Consumers are reporting that they’ve received letters offering to provide them with deeds to their properties for as much as $60, while deeds are available through the Pima County Recorder’s Office for as low as $9. The companies that are sending the letters have no affiliation with the any government office.

“It’s important for consumers to read everything on the letter and not just react to their initial impression” said Kim States, BBB President. “These types of mailings are intended to alarm and confuse consumers and generate easy money for the sender.”

Consumers who have questions about the mailing should contact BBB by calling 520-888-5353 or visiting www.tucson.bbb.org. Deeds can also be purchased online through the Pima County Recorder’s Office by visiting www.recorder.pima.gov.

Better Business Bureau has been receiving an increased number of consumer inquiries regarding “Mystery Shopper” and “Mystery Consumer” opportunities. Consumers report receiving a letter by mail stating, “We are pleased to invite you to participate in a paid consumer research project in your area as a Mystery Shopper.” The letter mentions earning extra cash for secret shopper assignments at local businesses.

The letter instructs the recipient to deposit the enclosed check and use the funds to cover the first week’s shopping assignments.  Specific instructions are provided on how to use the money and ultimately instruct the “shopper” to wire a portion of the money via Western Union.

BBB of Southern Arizona cautions you to be skeptical of anyone that sends you a check or money order and in turn asks you to deposit it and wire transfer money in return. You should never wire money to a stranger. The check you receive will be counterfeit and you will personally be out the money you wire to them. Typical scenarios that you should use caution in if you encounter  them include:

• You are selling something online and the buyer overpays you and asks you to wire transfer back the extra dollars.
• You receive a check and notification that you have won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes.  You are (more…)