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
CMH as well. 866-740-1448. Just what I need, another airline tix
I guess it was my turn today. I received my in mail today with hand written address and signature. I don’t have time otday but plan to have some fun with my new best friend Barbara tomorrow. It will be good fun before the new year eve party start.
FYI – I am in Dublin Ohio (Columbus)
Received my letter today addressed to my late husband, who died in October 2009, no less. Thank heavens for the Internet that I could research this. Phone number at the bottom of the letter is 1-866-740-1448. I live in Columbus, Ohio. Perhaps I’ll ask the local media to take a look at this blog…..since several of these have come to Columbus, OH.
Received mine on Dec 30, 2010 in Columbus Ohio. I can’t believe that anyone would think for an instant that this is legit! I will call their number and tie them up for a while.
Reading above it looks like this originates from:
Southwest Travel Club
(520) 327-2410
(520) 881-9209
4811 E Grant Rd STE 261
Tucson, AZ 85712-2776
Website: http://www.southwesttravelclubs.com
Bringing this to the attention of the AZ attorney general is a good idea:
http://www.azag.gov/consumer/complaintform.html
Got mine today as well, Dec. 30th in Columbus, Ohio. I
really do think someone here should contact the media, as it seems
like an overwhelming number of people posting here are from
Columbus! Oh and I have the 1-866-740-1448 number as well.
Another Columbus one here….I have to wonder though how
many people really do bite on these…with all the folks that have
blogged here, I wonder how many people they do sucker in….seems
like it would cost a fortune in stamps (not to mention Barbara’s
writer’s cramp rehab)….
Received mine today in Michigan. Suspicioulsy phony
looking. Number is 866-740-4363. Not planning on calling. If it’s
too goo to be true…..
Got ours today. From SE Michigan. Phone number
866-740-4363. Didn’t Call.
I received one today in the Columbus area too. Phone number
866-740-1448
Got the same letter over the weekend, in Michigan with the
number 866-740-4363. From Barbara Dion VP. I am always the skeptic
and it usually pays off.
Another one in Pittsburgh. The target is probably US Airways customers in our region.
Same letter. Similiar number.
Thanks for the posting.
Got the same letter today in the mail in MI. Phone number is 1-866-740-4363. Seeing as I typically fly at least once a year the US Airlines gave it away as a fake, no such airline. Hope no one falls for this. Someone needs to stop these people.
Tom,
It’s not just Pittsburgh, it’s wherever they are doing their sales presentation.
I got one too. It is not even a good job. The number is 866-740-4363. They should have given Ms. Dion a more convincing title like “Vice President of Important Stuff”. I’m in Michigan.
Happy New Years Eve! Thanks to you all for the great information.
We live the greater Grand Rapids area of Michigan and received this bogus letter in today’s mail. I knew immediately that there is no such airlines and the motto was a clue too, so I goggled it and found several sights dedicated to this particular scam. Unlike the others, this particular site included an image of the exact letter he received and all of your supporting comments. The only difference was that it was just the letter and no boarding pass. Barbara Dion’s signature isn’t even close to the one above, but we know now that the person the signed it, was also the person that stamped it and hand wrote my husbands name and address on the front of the envelope. The number that appeared on this letter seems to be a new one, since I didn’t see it on any of the other postings. 1-866-897-0832. Of course we didn’t contact them, as I don’t want them to have my phone number too. (ID caller) Although I’m not sure they haven’t been some of the Unavailable and OUT OF AREA (866) calls that I’ve already been ignoring! We do plan to send this to the Michigan Attorney General’s office at the first of the week. It scares us to think of how many of these letters have gone out in the Midwest alone.
Are there really people out there who still think they can get something for nothing? I’ll say a prayer for them. My letter came today. I have to go now because I only have till the 5th to respond or my alternate is going to get the tickets.
Another one in Columbus. As soon as we saw the handwritten envelop with no return address we knew it was something bogus. Opened it up and saw US Airlines and knew it was a word play on USAirways. I feel for the older ones out there..
I received my letter today…Pittsburgh area. I knew immediately since the envelope was handwritten and there was no return address. I googled Barbara Dion’s name and found this blog. Phone number on my letter is 866-995-7154.
Heh, got one too…Wonder what they want from you if you call? CC?
After reading this letter I couldn’t believe my eyes, “Wow, I’ve never won anything like this before..!!” So, the very first thing I did was hit the Web to see if this was true.. bummer… so here I am.. I’m in Simi Valley, CA. I received mine today Jan 3, 2011.
My Mother has always said: ” Believe half of what you see, nothing of what you hear”.. My Mother is 90..
I feel honored that I now belong to The BATA Club.. (“Bogus Airline Tickets to Anywhere”)
Received a letter also. Called the number (after blocking my ID of course), and set out to have some fun with the sucker picking up the phone. He started out by saying I could claim my tickets online, and if I would give him my emailaddress; sure I said: [CENSORED :)] – next question was how much money I made: “Too much to count”. Then I asked him how he got my name and address: “Based on prior travel” he said. With the fake airline US Airlines, I asked? No, it was based on prior travel with all airline companies. Upon my (honest) reply I have never flown before, he stated “Ohh, it also includes hotel stays over the years”. Sure thing, pal…..
Wow – I got my letter today and realized right away –
First hint: Hand Written on a Blank Envelope -not an official envelope from US Airlines –
Second: Copied on regular paper and not offical Letter head-
What I want to know – if there is anything that can be done to put this company out of business –
How many ignorant people get caught up in the moment and respond –
Happy Holidays and Fly the US Skies from the real US Airlines.
I just recieved my letter informing me of my 2 roundtrip airline tickets. Oh joy! They are valid at ANY INTERNATIONAL airport in the US. This was a handwritten letter with no return address. (Funny considering that the U.S. post office wont let anyone send a letter without a return address. New policy for the new year.)
This was of course sent on Dec 30th, one day before the policy took effect.
My letter was also from, “Barbra Dion,” and a shoddy handwritten envelope as well. I am instructed to ONLY call the given telephone number to retrieve my tickets. (866-740-8245) Sent from Pheonix, AZ.
I do believe that some poor soul has opted to take a “at home job” that will make you, “up to $500.00 dollars a week.”
I would love to know where they purchase thier information since the person it was sent to has been dead since 1994.
– California
Got one today the phone # is 1-877-491-0447 Damn, we never get good FREE stuff here in NW OHIO. :}
I got a letter today. Alarm bells went off, then I went online to check the name of the airline, which sounded like a cross between United and US Airways. Couldn’t find it, which only confirmed my suspicions. Besides, there was no return address on the envelope or on the letterhead, nor was there a website. I threw it away.
Got mine today, Im outside of Los Angeles. The phone # on mine is 1-866-740-8245. I could tell just by the looks of the letter.
Got ours today. Notice ALOT of Tennessee, Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania posters. We are in Pasadena, CA. They probably got our address in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Thanks for the info; may have some fun tomorrow!
We got this letter also (Ohio) signed by (I should say “initialed by” Barbara Dion, since her name was typed). Who uses their initials to sign a business letter?! Ignorant thieves, I guess. I’m usually naive but I was suspect since nothing is free these days. 🙂
new lucky area…fort wayne, indiana. 877.491.0447 i’m
going to disney world!!!
Got the same letter. Knew it sounded too good to be true but the lady on the phone was convincing. Set my appointment up for today and then was second guessing it. The meeting is more than an hour away from my house so I decided before going out there all alone as a female in my late 20’s I figured I would investigate. After finding all these postings I called to cancel my appointment.
I told the lady I had ready lots of things on the internet about them and knew they were a scam including the info on the BBB website. She told me that the BBBs unflattering reviews were part of the governments conspiracy to get consumers to spend more money on travel and to eliminate all the discount travel companies….I let her know she was insane and to take my info off her list.
Has anyone actually entertained to go to an appointment? I
received my letter today, and its not from Barbara Dion but Award
Department. I am just curious to find out if ANYONE has EVER gone
to the presentation and heard what the desl really is?
Got mine today in Georgia, not handwritten came machine printed looking very similar to a W-2 form. With a fake boarding pass attached.
I received the same letter in Columbus, OH. I figured I’d look it up to confirm. What is the point of this???
Katlyn,
Read the BBB site and the TV station link on this page.
I received a letter today also. Thanks for the information, I’ll proceed to throw this letter away. You are all correct there is no such thing as something for nothing.
Wow, another Ohioan here. Having a somewhat legal mind, I had to laugh at the double meaning of “travel anywhere in US from any major international airport.” That could mean an airport that is not domestic, but located outside the US. Gosh, free tickets to travel anywhere in the US from outside the US? Now I just have to get myself to an international airport, ha! Such a deal.
Got mine today in SWPA! mine is slightly different
though…different number and different name- barbara must have
been replaced! The number on mine is 866 740-8054 and the name is
Laura Shane (Vice President). Letter was postmarked jan 3, Phoenix,
AZ.
Rec’d ours Jan 7. Columbus, OH. Letter dated “January 3rd,
2011 (last time I checked, dates didn’t include “rd” or “th” in
formal business communication). Signed Laura Shane VP and gave
1-866-894-1360
I received a letter today in Pittsburgh. I figured it was
bogus with the hand written address and no return address. Mine was
signed by Laura Shane 866-740-8054. Are you kidding me?
Yep..got one too! The hand written envelope is actually
what tipped me off to not being right ( besides that fact that
NOTHING in todays world is free!) And yes, Barbara was replaced by
Laura Shane.
Received the letter, dated January 3rd, 2011, must respond
by January 12th. Phone # (different from all the others):
1-866-740-5226. From Vice President Laura Shane.
Just recieved SAME letter today. What really stood out was “US Airlines (obviously no such carrier). So I Googled and found that there are “at least” 91 other people who got this letter. Thanks for posting
I received one and with a handwritten envelope, I thought it was a scam.
Well my letter must have gone out with the rest of the Pittsburgh area group on December 27th – even though it didn’t arrive till January 7th with the ‘by hand’ address label. I haven’t read in the thread anywhere if anyone has determined if they have done anything illegal like using the post office to perpetrate a fraud.
Another one from Ohio. As with the rest, handwritten, no return address, big clue. This one was signed by Laura Shane, VP, only difference I have seen is the phone number, which is listed as 1-866-894-1360. Be careful out there folks!!!
My roommate got one of them. I was suspicious so I looked it up and found this (thanks for putting this up by the way!). Laura Shane was the one on hers too. Recieved on Jan. 7th.
forgot to mention, i’m in ohio, and they have a website up. http://yourgetaway.info/services.htm
Received one yesterday in the Detroit area. No signature, and machine addressed. Presorted US Postage out of Oklahoma City. Looks like a government notice, though it does say “this is not a givernment document.” Otherwise, very similar to what has been described above.
I got my letter in the mail today 1/7/2011. Pretty much the same as everyone else. Dated 12/27/2010 postmarked from Phoenix on 12/31/2010 needed to respond by 1/5/2011. signed by Barbra Dion, different phone number of 866-897-0832.
We received our letter today (Jan 8th) in Grand Rapids, MI. Ours is still signed Barbara Dion. It is postmarked Dec 31st out of Pheonix, AZ. I think the Attorney Generals of Arizona and Michigan are going to get an email from me. Thanks for the info.