Letter from a VP of Travel Awards Division about free airline tickets
These guys are going bad to their tried-and-true strategy of making up two-name companies and sending letters offering free airline tickets. (See all other posts here about these letters.) Please comment if you received one with your location.
It tells you that you have qualified for an award of 2 roundtrip airline tickets. It looks like it was actually signed by Kelly Mane, the “Vice President.” They hand write the address on the envelope and use a real stamp (sometimes!).
Here are the new companies so far:
Fletcher Adams (fletcheradams.com)
Nelson Murphy (nelsonmurphy.com)
Franklin Hobbs (franklinhobbs.com)
Duncan Jacobs (duncanjacobs.com)
Stevenson Barnes (stevensonbarnes.com)
Once you go to the sales pitch and sign up, you book through a fulfillment company. I’ve seen two lately: Universal Travel Vacations (website, BBB report) or the The Vacation Station (website, BBB report TN, BBB report SC)
I have found the answers to this mystery thanks to the great work of the folks at BBB in Tucson, AZ:
http://www.bbb.org/tucson/business-reviews/travel-clubs/southwest-travel-club-in-tucson-az-20007983
http://www.bbb.org/tucson/business-reviews/prize-promotions/patterson-bell-in-tucson-az-20027549
An actual story: http://www.kgun9.com/features/investigations/122887609.html
NEW video from INSIDE THE SALES PRESENTATION: http://www.9news.com/news/article/362984/339/Companies-behind-free-airline-ticket-letters-
Great reporting from WKMG: http://www.clickorlando.com/news/Free-travel-offer-mystifies-consumers/-/1637132/15701330/-/8s7gus/-/index.html
Video from inside the first ever video encounter I’ve seen: http://www.kboi2.com/news/local/Travel-service-vacation-smart-international-us-airlines-vacationanddeals-com-175915611.html?tab=video&c=y
If you would like to read more about these folks, visit this post. You can read all about the sales presentation, the free offer and the what you get for your vacation membership club cash outlay.
LETTER:
I am pleased to inform you that you have qualified for an award of 2 roundtrip airline tickets. Congratulations.Play Store Download These tickets are valid for travel anywhere in the Continental U.S. The retail value of this award is up to $1,298.00. Certain restrictions apply.
We have attempted contacting you several times without success. This is our last attempt. If we do not hear from you soon, we may need to issue the ticket vouchers to the alternate.
Please call me today at 1-866-517-2406 (numbers always changing).
Regards,
VP du jour (see above)
Vice President
Travel Awards Division
Here is what would happen if you did call:
ADVICE:
When I read this, it was just too good not to post. It’s from the Nebraska Attorney General (page 13 printed/page 15 PDF).
Look for the warning signs that may indicate a scam:
- Benefits sound too good to be true.
- The company has no permanent address and all presentations are held in rented conference rooms.
- They can’t, or won’t, provide you with references.
- They don’t want to give you an itemized list of what’s included in your trip until you have already signed the contract.
What you should do if you suspect a scam:
- Don’t sign any contract during the travel presentation. They are high-pressure events intended to stir the emotions of an exotic vacation.
- Contact a respected travel agent in town, give them the specifics of the trip, and ask if that seems consistent with industry pricing.
- Shop around. Compare your trip with other travel packages being offered to seniors.
Here is Michigan’s Attorney General’s advice:
http://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,1607,7-164-34739_20942-44762–,00.html
Got a letter from “Richardson Hall” claiming i have won $1,298 in Continental air fare. It’s signed in blue ink by “Susan Davis, VP of Travel Awards Division”
I live in Hudsonville, Michigan
Mine was signed by Debra Hall. I checked out the phone number: a cell phone in India!
i just got the same letter on the video, I looked over the internet to check (it was suspicious, no adress for the person or company who sent it, the stamp too cheep, most big companies they send you certified letters or they call you, these people said they can’t call you back) and why it was only a phone number to call, there was no web adress, no official stamp of the company like American Airlines it was a simple bad copy sheet (actually they said exactly the same as the video), and I found these posts. They asked me to go to the appointment to these address, 6200 Metrowest blvd Orlando fl 32822 st 208, to go casual really nice dressed and with my credit card. The name of the person was like Dave and the one that signed it was Debra Hall, Vice President. Thanks for confirming this was a spam!!!!!!!!
And this is the email they sent:
kimberlywatts@airfareanddeals.com
9:21 AM (14 minutes ago)
to me
Dear Sonia and Heberto,
This email is to remind you of your appointment on Wednesday the 4th at 4:00 p.m. in Orlando, FL.
You have been offered a special incentive in exchange for your time in attending the open house. You will receive two roundtrip airline tickets valid anywhere inside the continental United States to a major international airport. This offer is in consideration of your time for previewing the wholesale travel agency. You will also receive a 3/2 nt hotel stay as a bonus gift.
This is NOT A TIMESHARE. It is a full-service travel agency which specializes in luxury accommodations, cruises and travel packages. You will not be obligated to buy, sign or join anything. We recommend that you print and bring this email with you to make you feel more comfortable.
The open house will include a brief presentation on the services offered in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. This is a group presentation so please arrive 15 minutes early. Please note that this is not open to the public and is by invitation only.
This is a limited time offer and is non-transferable.
Please click here for directions.
Please be advised the address is:
6200 Metrowest Blvd.
Suite 208
Orlando, FL 32835
Please respond to this email to confirm your appointment, or please call me at 1-866-299-1009.
We are looking forward to seeing you!
Kimberly Watts
Kimberly Watts
Confirmation Manager
THE FINE PRINT
Participants must be between the ages of 25 and 70. Participants must have a combined annual household income in excess of $40,000. Both spouses/cohabitants must attend the 90 minute group presentation. Members or participants in previous promotions are not eligible. Participants must speak and understand fluent English. Children and uninvited guests are not permitted. Participants must provide a state-issued identification card to claim the incentive.
Here is another name to add to the list: PENNINGTON CRUZ. Same letter, same format. The VP name is Lisa Moore and their phone is 866-815-9488. Their web domain was registared on March 12, 2012, so this is yet another iteration to conceal their identity.
I received the same type of letter. It was headed with “US Airlines.” And signed by Debora Hall. The number provided was 18668220329.
Thanks for these warnings!!
I received one yesterday also headed with “US Airlines” and signed by Debra Hall. Phone number to call was 1-866-797-5537. I found it interesting that the letter was hand addressed and that it had a legitimate 45 cent stamp on the envelope. Thanks for the information.
I received one dating April 9 2012 also headed with “US Airlines” and signed by Lois Adams. Phone number to call was 1-866-765-5334. I called and immediately noticed it was a scam Travel Awards Division is the name they are using as company dept.
I got one dated April 16, 2012 signed by vp Christine Hay same nonsense been trying to reach you, this is our last attempt. I like to call and ask is this US Alrlines I am calling about my airline tickets he then ask for the 5 digit number followed by two letters. I continue to say what I am calling about airlines tickets. I get a big laugh out of it cause its a joke anyway
We just received one in the Mountains of NC. Signed by Lois Adams VP US Airlines.
Received letter today with title US Airlines and signed by Christine Hay Vice President. The meetings are being held at 319 Garlington Road Ste D2 in Greenville SC. They provided me a web address travelanddeals.com. Nothing about this feels legit.
Received letter today with title US Airlines and signed by Christine Hay Vice President. The phone number was 8663039666. The meetings are being held at 319 Garlington Road Ste D2 in Greenville SC. They provided me a web address travelanddeals.com. Nothing about this feels legit.
I receivd my letter today on “US Airlines” letterhead. Of course they assume we are missing brains cells and the name will translate to US Airways in our heads. My letter too, was signed by Christine Hay, Vice President. I have been receiving phone calls for weeks from an unknown 602 Arizona number. I ignore the calls. Notice the letter is carefully worded. It reads: “you have QUALIIED for an award”, it does not read “you have WON a award”.
I just got on today 4/27/12, too good to be true, thanks for this information
I got one for “US Airlines” “VP Christine Hay” thanks for the heads up… it looked too good so i researched it and was lead here! Thanks Again! TB
same thing here, 1-866-877-6979 , im going to use all the numbers here to set up a calling program, that calls all the numbers every 30 sec. fun times
My husband just got letter yesterday from Grace Pell to call 866 285 8095.
Thank you all for your postings; it really helps to immediately find out if its a scam.
SCAM
My letter, received May 26, 2012 was from “American Airways”. Shouldn’t that be US Airways or American Airlines? Signed by Lucille Dune. 1-866-220-0650
I was advised to go to travelanddeals.com. I didnt even bother, I will stick with Costco Travel.
Thank you for this website, I’m so glad I was able to research this quickly! Can’t law enforcement do anything about this?
I got the same letter today and am slated to be at the cult meeting tonight! I will report back with my findings.
We just got one in Indianapolis, IN 6/1/12 with Same “US Airlines” Singed D.Cale (Denise Cale) VP.
We received one in Austin, TX 6/2/12 with “US Airlines”, signed “D Cale Denise Cale Vice President”
1-866-846-8780
same letter here in Rhode Island from ‘Denise Cale Vice President’ – UHG, the poor trees that are wasted on such nonsense! BTW – I opt for shredding just about everything these days.
Same exact letter verbiage with traveldeals powered by Expedia Affilate Network on letter head signed by Dorothy Nale “D Nale” Vice President HO-67851 at bottom of letter.
Hand addressed with regular $.45 stamp postmarked from Phoenix on 04 June 12.
This type of deal seems to smell of Mail Fraud. If it is fraud these idiots are using the wrong tool to uncover leads…..
MAIL FRAUD: A crime in which the perpetrator develops a scheme using the mails to defraud another of money or property. This crime specifically requires the intent to defraud, and is a federal offense governed by section 1341 of title 18 of the U.S. Code. The mail fraud statute was first enacted in 1872 to prohibit illicit mailings with the Postal Service (formerly the Post Office) for the purpose of executing a fraudulent scheme.
Initially, courts strictly followed the mail Fraud statute’s language and interpreted it narrowly. The early decisions required a connection between the fraudulent scheme and the misuse of the mails for a violation of the mail fraud statute. Since its enactment, application of the statute has evolved to include dishonest and fraudulent activities with only a tangential relationship to the mails.
Punishment for a conviction under the mail fraud statute is a fine or imprisonment for not more than five years, or both. If, however, the violation affects a financial institution, the punishment is more severe: the statute provides that “the person shall be fined not more than $1,000,000 or imprisoned not more than 30 years, or both.”
Both the Supreme Court and Congress have consistently broadened the mail fraud statute since its enactment. Prior to a 1909 amendment, a violation of the mail fraud statute required proof, among other requirements, of either opening or intending to open correspondence or communication with another person. In 1909 Congress eliminated this requirement and replaced it with the language that the mails be used “for the purpose of executing such scheme or artifice or attempting so to do.” This amendment followed the Supreme Court’s decision in Durland v. United States, 161 U.S. 306, 16 S. Ct. 508, 40 L. Ed. 709 (1896), which held that the mailing only needed to “assist” in the completion of the fraud. Although this amendment was the last significant change until 1988, the Supreme Court has struggled with the relationship between the mailing element and the execution of the fraud.
The Court’s struggle with this relationship is illustrated by two of its decisions: United States v. Maze, 414 U.S. 395, 94 S. Ct. 645, 38 L. Ed. 2d 603 (1974), and Schmuck v. United States, 489 U.S. 705, 109 S. Ct. 1443, 103 L. Ed. 2d 734 (1989). In Maze, the defendant stole his room-mate’s credit card and car and signed his room-mate’s name to the charge vouchers to obtain food and lodging. The merchants mailed the invoices to a bank in Louisville, Kentucky. The Supreme Court held that this did not fall within the scope of the mail fraud statute because the mailings did not perpetuate the fraud. The Court held that the scheme did not depend on the mailings and that the fraud was completed once the defendant signed the vouchers. The Court refused to interpret the statute as merely a jurisdictional requirement and stated that “Congress could have drafted the mail fraud statute so as to require only that the mails be in fact used as a result of the fraudulent scheme.”
However, in Schmuck, the Court did expand the mail fraud statute. In Schmuck, the defendant sold used cars to auto dealers in which he had rolled back the odometers to inflate the vehicles’ value. The dealers sent title application forms to the state department of transportation to register the cars after the dealers sold them to individual purchasers. The Court held that the sale of the vehicles depended on the transfer of title and that, although the mailing of the registration may not have contributed directly to the scheme, it was necessary for the passage of title and perpetuation of the scheme.
In recent years Congress has amended the mail fraud statute twice. In 1988 Congress added section 1346, which states that the term “scheme to defraud” includes a scheme to deprive another of the intangible right of honest services. In 1994 Congress expanded the use of the mails to include any parcel that is “sent or delivered by a private or commercial interstate carrier.” As a result of these amendments, the mail fraud statute has become a broad act for prosecution of dishonest and fraudulent activities, as long as those crimes involve the mails or an interstate carrier.
Now the scam letters are arriving in Texas and signed by “Denise Cale”. Good grief.
I too received a letter from traveldealsmail.com signed Dorothy Nale. I live in Ohio. This one they are associating themselves with Expedia and Trip Advisor.
Received same letter in Brownsburg, IN signed D. Cale (Denise Cale) VP
I received a letter in the mail today in Orlando, Florida signed by “Denise Cale” from “US Airlines” with the phone number 1-866-537-4560.
We live in Orlando and got a hand addressed envelope with no return address today from Phoenix. Signed Renee Cast. Asked to call 1-866-202-1875. SCAM!
Letters arriving in Massachusetts now…U S Airlines letterhead. Mine from Denise Cale, VP. Phone 866-575-0464. Meet in Mansfield to tell you about Universal Travel.
i received the letter from a Renee Cast postmarked from Phoenix Arizona
After all the negative posts I read and thinking that this might be too good to be true my wife and decided to give this a shot. We showed up at this office near our home that seemed to be rented out by this company. I assumed it was rented because I work with a lot of business for my work and they never look like this. It’s kinda funny too the way they have the place decorated like they just ran out and bought some “beach resort starter kit” haha. The dead giveaway that it was a Fake office was the carpet, because it was FILTHY. I mean if you dropped your pen on the floor you might think twice about picking it up.
Everyone was a little cheesy and over friendly but that’s about expected from this sort of thing. Then they bring you to this room to hear about what this club has to offer. The guy gives his speech for about 45-60 minutes which he does a good job and I started to think about maybe doing this. Afterward you meet with their vacation consultants to go over pricing. So we’re in one big room and they had about 20 additional consultants (which turned out to be the closers) lined along the back wall. They have a bunch of little tables set up where each couple meets with this consultant.
Up to this point it’s not so bad and I’m still considering signing up. They had this young girl, maybe 19 that they have you paired up with and she’s doing her best to relate with us by asking things like so how long we’ve been married and then saying “that’s cool!” It felt a little awkward and phony but I wanted to give her the benefit and hear what she had to say. The pitch was very scripted and we were still on the fence. After about 5-10 minutes of us not biting on the “deal” the head guy came out with a special offer just for our group.. A $1000 off!!! Now this is where I really started to feel like this was a shady deal. Everyone in the office starts clapping and saying “no way” “that’s great”, “thanks Tom (or whatever the guys name was”!
Red flags go up for me immediately!!! Really, this seems even more rehearsed and I’m feeling like everyone is in on the joke except for me.
Even with the $1000 off we’re still not biting, so the young girl waves to the back wall and the closer comes in. Now this closer has go an even better deal that she can only give out to friends and family but she’s going to make an exception for us. Can you believe it? This women we just met likes us so much that we going to get the special special offer haha. After almost an hour of the back and forth we decide it’s time to leave and walk.
Boy were we glad to get out of there! I can’t explain the pressure but it felt like I’d been stuck in a traffic jam for two hours and finally got moving again.
Now I go to redeem this complimentary tickets, that are not Free btw. First you must send in the forms with at $4.95 money order and wait 45 days for them to send you a Registration form. Once you get that you pay $50.00 per ticket for a Registration Activation Fee (must be done in 30 days). This also must be a money order and once they receive payment then they’ll send you an email within 10 days to reserve a spot. Once you do that they want another 59.00 per ticket for processing fees. Also if the flight is canceled or moved, you are out of the money and don’t get to reschedule. I’ve also called a few times and this flight company is very unfriendly and doesn’t want to give a straight answer. I think at this point we just plan to cut our losses. However if you do decide to go and want to sign up. take my advice and hold out from buying as long as you can because they’ll keep dropping the price.
Good Luck
J
i just received the same letter yesterday, not knowing that this could be a scam, the letter head said united airways on top. So i called 1-866-202-1593, the set up an appointment in Gurnee Ill i live in Chicago. The email was sent by
see below!!!!!!
1425 Tri State Parkway
Suite 130
Gurnee, IL 60031
Please respond to this email to confirm your appointment, or please call me at 1-866-213-2799.
We are looking forward to seeing you!
Jennifer Grant
Jennifer Grant
Confirmation Manager
***I AM VERY SUPRISED NOBODY HAS DONE ANYTHING ABOUT CONVINCTING THESE PEOPLE FOR DEFRAUDING THE PUBLIC. ALL I SEE IS WEBSITE RELATED TO THEM BUT NOTHING IS BEING DONE!!! AM SURPRISE THE MEDIA IS NOT INVOLVED IN IT. SO MANY PEOPLE ACCROSS THE COUNTRY ARE GETTING THESE LETTERS AND NOBODY IS DOING ANYTHING WOW,WHAT COUNTRY DO WE LIVE IN PEOPLE!!!
My dad recieved one today from a Megan Lane in Orlando, FL from traveldeals.
Letter received yesterday dated June 18, 20112, from American Airways promising two tickets anywhere in the US — a $1,398.00 value. Call 1-866-865-8065. Signed, Renee Cast, Vice President.
DITTO!
My wife and I went to the same “cheezy” sales pitch in Upstate South Caolina. The price dropped 1000…then another 1000.00 and they threw in friends and family. The airline voucher is a fraud, and if you send in the 4.95 fee without the 50.00 processing the voucher is invalid. Buyer beware! Run Forest Run!
By the way who is American Airways? The “company” states it is their marketing company. I looked in D&B and BBB around the Southeast and there is no such animal. Most of the Vacation Savings companies are rated with BBB as an F.
Thanks for posting. We received the exact letter in Port St. Lucie, Florida. We were actually ready to go, but not now. Thanks again.
We rec’d the letter signed by Kelly Mann. We live in Ann Arbor, MI, and had scheduled a time to meet with them but didn’t go at the last minute. We are glad we didn’t.
I recieved a letter saying I got two free airline tickets but mine said it was from American Airlines. The number they gave me was 1-866-756-3889. In winter springs florida
My letter was sent on “American Airways” paper. No other identifying marks and no return address. Signed by “Wendy Cae”, tel. 1-866-786-5952. Where in the heck do they get all the addresses???
I got one 07/07/2012, postmarked Phoenix, AZ, signed by VP Jacklyn Bing.
Isn’t this mail fraud? Isn’t there some way I can get these a-holes to pay me?
Received letter today from “US Airlines”, I work for a major commercial airline and know there is no such company! I wish these creeps didn’t have my address and contact information. Mine was signed by “Jacklyn Bing” and the telephone number is 866-759-4705.
I am glad I took the time to read these posts. I always knew these were a hoax, but I signed up to check it out anyway. I am only interested in the airline tickets, but it seems like there are too many hoops to jump through, so I’m better off saving my time and buying tickets on my own! It’s amazing how many people are taken in by these scam artists!
Got one too. Provo, UT.
I just received this letter in the mail. The envelope was handwritten. I live in the Pittsburgh area. The letter was signed by VP Beatrice Gill. I planned on shredding the letter and knew it was scam. I really hope these people get caught soon. Ridiculous!
This letter is now circulating Connecticut.
Yup, they’re in Salt Lake City now–got my letter today from Beatrice Gill, handwritten envelope/signature. Website at the bottom of the letter is http://www.traveldealsmail.com–which takes you to an “Expedia” website. That’s what threw me–I booked a trip through Expedia last month. The number on my letter is 1-866-691-4693.
Watch out world!
I just received my letter, addressed to my former married name! It’s signed by Vice President Kerry Dyer. I might block my phone number, call them at the 1-866-546-1689 number on the awards letter, and ask if I could transfer this magnificent gift “worth up to $1,298.00” to our hard-working, crime-busting Police force for a potential upcoming benefit fundraiser. LOL! thanks to all who posted about this scam!
Received my letter from Meredith Loya, vp, right to the recycling, thanks for all the posts.
Received the letter today, Jul 21, also signed by Vice President Kerry Dyer, but with a different number, 1866-514-9756. I’m from Chicago.