Letter from US Airlines about free airline tickets
Here’s another mailing about free airline tickets, only instead of coming from a fake incentive company, it is from a fake airline called US Airlines – “Fly the US skies”! (See other posts here.) Please comment if you received one.
They have a variation that includes an award notification and boarding pass. See below for pictures.
It tells you that you have qualified for an award of 2 roundtrip airline tickets. It looks like it was actually signed by Barbara Dion or Alexia Pitt or Kate White or Loretta Cape or Ann Roy or Charlene James or Angela King or Marcia O’Neal or Janelle Kelly or Candice Bray or Phyllis Neal or Melanie Car or Jessica Clay or Katherine Cota or Christina Jud or Shauna West or Jane Austin or Hillary Baio or Jessica Nish or C. Ray or Dorothy Wade or Linda Ford or Jade Beal or Nicole Clay or Valerie Fay or Erica Bale or K. Mane or Loretta Pine or Alexis Doug or Kristina Bar or Brittany Hunt or Doris Jack, the “Vice President.” They hand write the address on the envelope and use a real stamp (sometimes!).
Here is the cheesy website for this letter. 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. These tickets are valid for travel anywhere in the Continental U.S. The retail value of this award is up to $1,400.00. 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 1-866-995-7151 (numbers always changing).
Regards,
VP du jour (see above)
Vice President
AWARD NOTIFICATION/BOARDING PASS:
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
I received a letter signed by Debra Hall. She is supposedly the Vice President. Do people actually fall for this line?
Hi i live in FL as well and received my letter today frist clue NO RETURN ADDRESS. 2nd THE USE OF A REAL STAMP most companys if not all use an automated stamping system. and 3rd IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE IT IS!!!! Thanks guys its amazing this is still going on after 2 years and it’s not illegal. SCAM SCAM SCAM!
My husband recieved the hand written addressed envelope earlier this week. We called the number from a friends phone and got the sales pitch of come and listen to a “New travel agent in your area” introduction and receive two free airline tickets value of $1400. They want you to schedule a time to come out and meet them. We made an appointment but after reading the post from the gentleman who did and recieved the hard sales pitch and never ended up with his tickets, can see this is not worth the cost of the stamp they used to mail it.
I was pretty sure it was a scam. I asked the rep on the phone who they bought our information from and she said it was public information from a previous time we traveled. Does anyone know what that could mean?
Austin, TX
received one in Massachusetts today. Debra Hall. Trash time. Thanks for the warning.
I received mine today in South Carolina… I work for a major Bank, and we see crap like this all the time. Just to let anyone know, if anyone ever calls you about any credit cards or wanting info about any of your accts, and claims to work for that company, it is a scam because they are already going to know that information. I think it’s terrible! And I hate that people get tricked into it!
Got ours today, 1-866-824-2736, that’s all you need to know. relentless, aren’t they? Idiots!
Just received my letter today from Debra Hall. I’m going to call the number and take the offer as long as they come to my 90 minute presenation on the value of time. Thanks for the blog.
I recieved the top letter in this artical today 4/2/12. The phone number and signature are different than the one shown here but everything else is exactly the same. Figured it was a scam so looked for info on it and found this site. Glad to find it, not calling the number!
We’re in the Chicago area. We slso got a letter from Debra Hall – Vice President. Letter seemed fishy. Definitely a play on US Airways.
Yep, been getting these for a couple weeks. Mine said D.Hall as well, Mary. I’m from Florida too, with that same blue ink. We’re probably fairly close in location and they sent out a mass mailing. This is just so sad.
Wow.. In Chicago IL. Cant believe this BS. Vice President is Debra Hall. Hand Written Letter.
Columbus, IN. Just got a letter from Debra hall, she really has fought through some tough competition and a lot of VP’s. When I called he was kind of confused when he asked if I or my spouse was between 28-65 and I responded, “well one of us is haha,” it’s always fun to call just say what there script says. May call back on rainy says for a chat
I’m in Ocala Florida and received the “OFFICIAL DOCUMENT ENCLOSED 2012” envelope today. It had the look of a government tax letter. At first I wondered if it was a belated tax notice. Upon closer look at the information –i became suspicious — especially with the fine print note “this is not a government document.” I read that I had been award two free tickets any where in the US and that they had repeatedly tried to contact me and that this was their last attempt,if I did not respond the tickets would be awarded to someone else. Signed the awards department. I saw too many red flags and thought I should check them out on the web. Thanks guys for this blog report, I appreciate the comments and warning that US Airlines is a scam. My shredder will have a nice meal tonight!
My husband just received this exact letter, only it said Debra Hall as well. I hate people who try to steal from other people. Have a heart.
Can’t believe this is still going on after all these months! My letter from Debra Hall arrived today. Phone #1-866-815-9559 was listed. Never trust any mailing without a return address on either the envelope or the letter and always check out any phone number listed. That is how I found out all this helpful information. Thanks everyone!
I recieved mine today (Indianapolis, IN) and me and my wife are about to drive to New Orleans for a cruise in a week because of the ridiculous air fare charges. Then I received this letter and got excited…til I read this blog…but im thankful I read this first… Mine also is from the “Vice President” Debra Hall. Again thanks for saving my identity…I will call and keep them on the phone for a couple hours and be a huge pain for everyone on here!
This letter was received in Rhode Island on March 25, 2012, signed by Mary Jay, Vice President. The number listed 1-866-679-5009, goes to an unidentified voicemail.
I work for US Airways and don’t appreciated being played for a fool. Nothing is ever free.
Yep I just received the same letter signed by Debra Hall and the phone number they gave was 1-866-796-5722 and the value was $1,298.00
Total SCAM!
Thanks for this video!
I recieved this letter from Debra Hall. I also was receiving this in an email account that is no longer active (The email is sent to a quarantine summary that I receive to my legitamate email). I will be contacting my state Attorney General. Thanks for the info.
Got mine in jacksonville, fl today. My husband wanted me to call so I did stating to him “let’s see what scam this is.” Very british sounding woman’s voice answers as “You have reached the Awards Department”. Not, “you have reached the United Airlines Awards Dept.”. Knew it was a scam but had to convince my husband. It was a recording and I was asked to hold. Of course I DID NOT!
I’m not flying Debra Hall’s friendly skies, either! I’m so glad the letter stated that it was their last attempo to contact me!
Just got my letter and im in austin, texas. They must be branching out now. Why hasnt the government shut them down yet?
I received my letter today from the VP – Debra Hall at telephone # 1-866-797-5536. My vochures are worth $1,298.00. I am located in Jacksonville, FL….what a joke!!
Just got mine today.
I’m in Chicago
This one is signed Debra Hall
1 866 797-5538
This is the cheesiest scam ever…they don’t evcen bother to use the name of a real airline. The even most obvious bit is that you can fly anywhere in the Continental U.S. from and major international airport. No airline does that and this obviously isn’t an industry association.
Have some fun with them…give them completely bogus info and let them waste time on their scam (hide your number too). Or give them the address and phone number for your local FBI or Postal Inspector office! 😉
From Denver, CO – – Got my US Airlines letter today. 2 RT Air in “Continental US from any major international airport” valued up to $1,298. Phone 1-866-797-5542, signed by Debra Hall – Vice President, in a legible blue handwritten signature.
got my letter in the mail today. same details as all of the above. jerks.
Thanks for the info, I too recieved a letter yesterday. I always check online when things souund too good to be true. They normally are.
Indianapolis, IN… just got mine today, April 9th. Only a phone number, no actual website. Being suspicious, I googled it and found this website. Maybe will have my husband have a go after getting home from law school.
I received a copy of this scam today and ran a google search on the signature name: Debra Hall, Vice President and the Airline name: US Airlines and it hit on the Rip-off Reports website. I then did an ask search on the airline and was brought here and I wanted to make a comment today to document that this is STILL AN ONGOING SCAM.
PLEASE BEWARE OF LETTERS WITH NO RETURN ADDRESS, NO ADDRESS IN THE LETTERHEAD AND YOUR ADDRESS ON THE ENVELOPE APPEARING TO BE HANDWRITTEN. NOT TO MENTION A “TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE” GIFT WITH ONLY A PHONE NUMBER TO RESPOND TO.
This is the kind of BUNK that undermines our great nation, and even the world in which we now are trying to live in. SHAMEFUL !
Fight for your rights, and against ALL theft and scams inside and outside the political systems worldwide. Because we are now living in a worldwide situation, and that increases scams dramatically for each and everyone of us. Take Caution before you act.
Better to research and prepare ahead, than to live through the hell that these scammers can inflict upon you and your loved ones.
PASS THE MESSAGE ON !
I got the letter today from Debra Hall. I figured it was a scam due to the handwriting on the envelope, no return address, and unprofessional letter head. I didn’t call. I don’t know where they are getting their information from since it used my maiden name and I’ve been married for 5 years.
I forgot to mention I live in Florida and the number to call was 1-866-796-5722
Received the letter in Aurora, CO on April 11, 2012 It was the exact same letter, with the respond no later than date as 4/13/12 the amount was $1,298.00 and the number is 1-866-353-3242 Signed by Lois Adams, Vice President
Thanks for the fun video! Way to go people for posting info on this scam.
First of all, my name isn’t even Ray! My middle name is ROY and for some reason scam places always misspell my middle name and use it as my first.
Got the letter today from Debra Hall. We live in Orlando, FL. They could have used a better letter head if they wanted to be taken even slightly seriously…
Roy,
Did you happen to have someone put Ray on something else in your past, like a mistake at the closing of buying of house?
I just got the letter today in North Carolina. Phone number to call is 866-774-6301. I’m so glad I found this website. Thank you for having it and helping people to be informed. And thanks to the person who made the video.
The letter arrived for us today (April 12) in Homewood, Il
It was signed by Joan Wright and also offers round trip airfare in the Continental U.S. from any major international airport. Opps!
Recived mine today in Jacksonville from vice president Lois Adams. How stupid do these people think we are? This is a nationwide scam taht’s been going on for at least two years. I hope law enforcement nails them.
Got one today as well. Bogus VP name is Lois Adams. Phone number listed is 866-774-6125. I wonder how many people they get with this crap?
My wife got the letter dated April 9, 2012, signed by VP Lois Adams, 866-785-6394. We’re in Texas. The scam goes on.
I guess V.P. Lois Adams has been getting cramps from all the letters she’s been signing because the signature on my letter looks like it came from a second grader learning cursive writing and learning how to spell her last name too (adama). Or maybe she really is 7 years old. Humm…
Oh – the number on mine is close to the one Jared Apr 13, 2012 posted – 866-774-6163.
Recived today here in SC from VP-Lois Adams. Phone Number listed is 1-866-774-6301.
CAN YOU SAY SCAM!!!!!!!!!
My parents got one. They strongly believed that this letter was real. I had no choice but find out what this letter was all about. Letter says:
From:Awards department Division
PLEASE READ ENTIRE DOCUMENT CAREFULLY
Dear NAME
Enclosed is your airline ticket voucher. This voucher is good for a certificate for (in bold) 2 round trip airline tickets to anywhere in the contintental US from any major internation US airport. This voucher must be certified to be valid. We have been tasked with notifiying you of this award. We have attempted contacting you several times. Note that this award must be claimed by no later than 7 days and fees may apply. Tis will be your last chance.
Then below it says to call 1-877-349-1513
I searched this number and this number was a debt collector number.
This has to be a scam.
Got mine today. I live in Florida. Same letterhead as everyone else on the blog. Lois Adams signed as VP. However, does anyone know what the typed # GL-2xxxx represent at the bottom the page? Just curious.
Rhonda,
That is your ID number that they look up your name and address. That’s how they verify that some random person doesn’t call and try to get in.
Well, the first give away was that it was US AIRLINES… No such animal and never has been but hey… Not willing to call the number so Lois will not be getting any more info from us either.
I like the way they say you have been selected to win when they fail to tell you what you entered in or how you were selected though… Kinda forgot that little tidbit.
Enjoy…
Is is definitely a SCAM!!!
Got the same letter April 16, 2012 with US Airlines logo, signed by L. Adams (Lois Adams) VP call # 1-866-774-6301, retail value of $1,298.
Lois Adams must have taken early retirement because mine, dated April 16th, is signed bt Christine Hay.
Into the trash it goes.
recieved one 4/16/2012 in Austin. “Travel Union” is the company, 1-866-429-0717, sent “check” look alike made out US Airlines on behalf of Beavis. signed by Carin Kane. i have to redeem before 4/25/12 to receive by $1400 airline vouchers. i wish i could find out what rented space they were using and cause a big scene.
Got mine today 4-18-12 The dead give away was 1, US Airlines not US Airways, 2, It said “qualified for an award” next it said award “UP TO” $1,298.00. Even the V.P. signed my letter, christine hay, she made me feel soooo special. I called and ask if this was a scam, the person didnt ask yes or no she asked for the validation number on the bottom of letter, I did not give it to her. I asked what company she works for, first she is in the arward department then she said she works for an award company that represents different company. I TOLD HER TO KEEP HER AWARD, I DONT NEED IT, then hung up on her. Funny thing that no one pointed out is that she was not a foreigner but an American white girl, go figure.
Wow, I just qualified for 2 roundtrip airline tickets, valid for travel in the Continental U.S. from any major international airport. The retail value is up to $1298.00, certain restrictions apply.
To qualify, a person must be willing to spend the 5 times the time and money to get your free tickets to nowhere.
Thank you but no thank you Christine Hay, I’m sure that as VP, you have others to attempt to rip off with your scam….ID # GN-6xxxx