Delta postcard about free airline tickets & hotel
The strategy has evolved again (maybe just experimenting) by sending out a Delta Airlines postcard. (See other posts about previous mailings here.) Please comment if you received one with your location.
See below for the postcard images and text.
The postcard says that they have been trying to contact you about free round trip tickets and a hotel stay you have won. 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)
Also, here is another blogger with information about a postcard that looks like it is from Southwest Airlines: http://talestoldfromtheroad.com/2011/11/02/consumer-alert-southwest-escape-offer-grounded/
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.
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
Here is the of the postcard:
DELTA / FLY AWAY ESCAPE
Dear x,
Congratulations! You have been selected to receive 2 Round Trip Airfares to anywhere Delta flies in the continental USA. Call within 48 hours. You will also receive as a bonus 3 day 2 night hotel stay!
We have been trying to contact you! (This is not a timeshare or land sale offer)
Toll free 1-800-313-1263 (or other numbers)
RSVP xxxx (your ID in their database) MON-SUN 9am to 8pm
Fine print: Certain restrictions apply. Call for details of participation. This offer is not sponsored by or affiliated with Delta Airlines but they are a major supplier. Taxes, processing fees and reservation fees are the responsibility of the recipient. Offer void where prohibited by law. Not applicable to Alaska or Hawaii.
[UPDATE 12/2/2011] Apparently Delta isn’t the only carrier they are testing out in their new postcards — Southwest Airlines is targeted as well: http://talestoldfromtheroad.com/2011/11/02/consumer-alert-southwest-escape-offer-grounded/
Here is what would happen if you did call:
Received a postcard (Delta) 6/23/12 Germantown, MD
Received a postcard on 6/21 to call 1-855-521-8724. At least they tell you up front they are not a timeshare or land offer, knocks those two scams off the list.
Still a scam!!!
Mine came today Jun 25, 2012 Massachusetts it’s for JetBlue but has the same photo.
Got it today, 6/26/12…Clarksburg, MD. Signed up, took the wonderful trip, already came back…then the alarm clock went off. 🙁 sadly, all a dream.
Got the same one today – Gaithersburg, MD
Same address on the card I received today… except now they’ve branched off into offering a “New 7″ Tablet complete with Android O/S, Camera and Wifi”, and a $100 Restaurant Dining Card. Smells like a scam from the same “company”. Guess the Vacation trick is getting too well known, trying another variation.
I received the 2 Delta Tickets and A Marriott Getaway anywher Delta Flies.
Dumfries, Virginia
Received a postcard yesterday 7/2/2012. Post marked West Palm Beach, FL. Same scam: Call the number and asked “Are you married?” “Do you have combined income over $60,000 per year?” If yes to both the go to a seminar and pick up your tickets. My post card had logos of the Travel Channel and As Seen on TV. Did not go to seminar.
I received the 2 Delta Tickets and Marriott or Hilton stay postcard yesterday.
Maple Valley, WA
Congratulations! Fly away anywhere a US airline flys postcard… this deal says ‘powered by Expedia’ with their logo. Seller of travel 2105004-50 — Southern California
I received a postcard today, exactly like the one pictured, but without mention of Delta or any other airline -just says “Fly Away Anywhere” on the front. Since it sounded too good to be true, I chose to google the info and found myself at this website. Thank you for saving me a phone call!
I received one today with United as the airline. You want to believe so badly because you want to get away. In the back of your mind though, you know it’s a SCAM – nothin free these days, especially when an airline is involved. The only true free thing I ever received was a little insatamatic Kodak camera back in the 60’s. And yes, you had to buy the film. Fun to read what the people who called had to say.
Received 2 days ago coming from West Palm Beach Florida Permit 3950
Has Travel Channel logo and As Seen On TV logo at top and says:
Congratulations! You are going to receive 2 roundtrip Airfares on Delta Airlines flying anywhere in US.
Call within 48 hrs and will also receive 3 days/2 nights at any Marriott or Hilton. We have been trying to contact you! (This is not a timeshare or land sale offer) TOLL FREE 1-800-906-1386
small print: Not sponsored by Delta, Marriott or Hilton…blah blah blah =)
Two days ago received the exact same postcard as the one shown in the images above, except the airline was United rather than Delta. Figured it was a scam as it sounded too good to be true, but am glad I found this message thread confirming that.
Received a “Happy Birthday” card. Inside is Fly Away Anywhere a US Airline Flies. Also a 7 day Budget car rental if I call within 48 hours. There is NO small print on this one.
Yep, received a card in the mail last week. Called over a week later and was told that I must attend a 90 minute presentation in Long Beach, CA with no pressure. Yeah right! Why did they ask for income and major credit card then??? I told the agent I could not commit. She told me to call 855-521-8724 ext 4602. I don’t think so! Lol
got delta airlines fly away promotion card today in st. pete fl….so realistic….
I received post card yesterday from Delta in Lewisville,Texas. Knew it had to be a scam.
Received card today in St Petersburg, FL for jetBlue flyaway promo code JBSR-0xxx phone number 1-866-341-5819. Fine prints says “All components of this offer are fulfilled by a third party. Certain restrictions apply.” To good to be true. Not bothering to respond.
I just received one, funny thing though, it is a Delta plane, but removed the name. Even funnier is my husband is a pilot with them, so we get benefits! Received in Knoxville, TN.
August, 2nd 2012 in Tacoma from Tacoma
866-983-1159
Rec. mine today – number to call is 1-888-639-6990
Received card in Osprey, Florida August 11th 2012, Promo Code DSS-0xxx i-888-639-6990. These freebies are scams. Threw card away.
Received a Delta variant of the postcard in Springfield VA on 8/10. USPS permit number is 2736. This one is called a Delta Airlines Fly away Promotion on the front. Fine print on the back includes the usual “trademarks property of their owners” and “all components of offer are filled by third parties” language. Call in number is 866-341-5819. Not buying into this…
I received a Delta card today in Atlanta, GA for 2 Round Trip Airfares and a bonus 5 DAY CRUISE. Phone # is 866-341-5819. Also have received MANY (Daily!) free travel offers by phone from PRIZE ENTRY CENTER (708-503-6683) and ANSWER (802-488-3051) – all about winning free trips. These calls and recordings are also coming from local numbers. However,I didn’t enter any contests!
I was suspicious of this card because my name is not listed differently than my Delta account.
The mail permit is 2736 from Las Vegas.
The last sentence should read, “I was suspicious because my name IS LISTED DIFFERENTLY than my Delta account!
got it today 8/20/12 in Lubbock Texas. Glad I found this site before I called!!! Thanks for the info!! Also, it has US Airways and Priceline.com on the card. Kinda makes it seem like it is from priceline.
I just got a postcard for the Delta “Fly Away Promotion”. At first glance it does look offical. At second glance, I noticed that the word “airline” in the Delta Logo had a typo “air line”. I do not call or apply for it. The promo code was DDA-0xxx and had a phone number to call of 866-341-5819.
I just received an offer in the mail; being the curious type and since the ‘pitch’ was being held 15 minutes from me, I went.
A local company, Jandar Travel of Sarasota, FL was pitching the Tradewinds Vacation Club. They wanted a steep $5995 to join for a lifetime during the initial pitch. When they get you into a one-on-one with the sales person, they’ll “reduce” it to $3,995 if you “Act Today.” And if you still hold out, they’ll reduce to $995 for a 5 year trial.
What a farce! I checked around and you can get equally decent deals and even better ones by NOT using their vacation club.
As an aside, even though Delta was on the postcard, they have nothing to do. Instead another fulfillment company called Capitol Marketing in St. Petersburg, FL is the company that will allegedly fulfill the 2 free tickets with a mere $120 processing fee. Further checking on this crew on the internet revealed that one would be lucky to get anything from them.
Folks, if you want to travel, go do some internet searches or connect with a reputable travel agent in your area. You’ll fare much better financially!
Eric Johnson – Money Coach
MoneyNFLA@aol.com
Received a postcard for the Delta “Fly Away Promotion” yesterday. Mail permit #2736 from Las Vegas, promo code DNB-0xxx and to claim the special offer I simply had to call 1-888-639-6990.
Got the “Delta Air Lines” postcard today stating a “Fly Away Promotion” using number 800-279-8922 and promo code DLA-0xxx. Not only are they giving away two free airline tickets, but they will throw in a three day two night hotel stay to entice you further. I’m not sure how that would work if they don’t know where I want to fly to, but it would seem as if they choose the destination and accomodations.
It also has a logo of “Skyteam” who has a website to promote airline travel for personal or business and uses 17 airlines – with Delta being the only domestic one. That alone should raise an eyebrow.
It may not be a real scam, but it definitely is something unusual and should be avoided.
Got them same card in Philly, PA!
Got the same postcard in Philly, PA!
Brandon, MS
I received a postcard in the mail today. Front of card: “Fly Away”; Back of card: “Fly a US Airline” “Congratulations!! You have been selected to receive 2 round trip airfares in the continental US plus a 3 day 2 night hotel stay. Call within 48 hours. You will also receive as a bonus a $100 gas rebate voucher!”
Phone Number: 1-888-691-1152
West Palm Beach, FL Postage Permit No. 3950
So glad I found this site.
I received a post card in Honolulu, Hawaii on 8/21/12. “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada – Complimentary Las Vegas trip for two”, coming from West Palm Beach Florida Permit 3950
The card says:
Congratulations! You have been selected to receive 2 Round Trip Airfares to exciting Las Vegas.
Call within 48 hours. You will also receive as a bonus a 3day 2night hotel stay! We have been trying to contact you! (This is not a timeshare or land sale offer) To claim this special offer, simply call1-877-291-9729
My husband received this card yesterday. I too am glad I did my homework and investigated befoe I called! Seattle,Wa
We received a variant of the postcard in Issaquah, WA on 8/27. USPS permit number is 2736 and it’s a “Delta Air Lines Fly Away Promotion” card. On the back it says, “Call within 48 hours. You will also receive as a bonus 3 day 2 night hotel stay.” Call-in number is 888-639-6990. Also has “Skyteam” logo on the front of the card.
Received the DELTA AIR LINE version on Monday 8/27/2012 in Bellevue, WA (next to Issaquah, WA – the entry above). I called and they are scheduling meetings for the “presentation” on 9/6 – 9/8 at the Issaquah Holiday Inn near Costco. I have submitted an online complaint with the WA Attorney General’s office with all of the details. I would love to work a sting operation against these guys, but I am sure the AG would only say caveat emptor (let the buyer beware). I will try and push for a warning to be issued by their office.
Received the DELTA AIR LINE version on Monday 8/27/2012 in Sammamish, WA (next to Issaquah, WA and Bellevue, WA – the entry above). Same call-in number. Just posting as a data point. Thanks for having this info. Def kept me from falling for it!
recd exact same postcard on 08/30/2012. in Sarasota Fl.. Darn it, I thought there was a santa!
Got it in Issaquah, WA. Mail permit 2736 Las Vegas, NV
I just got the postcard in the mail and I live in Sarasota FL – 34243. I figured it was a scam and this website proves it.
Thanks guys…
got mine. scam. stay away from it. 🙂
Recently received similar card in WI 54935. It has “priceline.com” listed on both sides and offers “2 US Airways Tickets and a Marriott Getaway anywhere US Airways flies”. Same verbiage about “we have attempted contacting you several times” Phone number is 1-888-565-1774.
I just received this same post card in Ft Myers, FL – 3xxxx but it was using JetBlue.
It’s back this time in Seattle, WA. Suspected it was scam but Googled to find out what kind.
Just received postcard today in Chapmanville, WV 25508. Suspected it was scam but Googled to find out what kind.
Got my too good to be true postcard today. I recently booked a flight with Delta the old fashioned way so I am wondering if they scammed my information from a Delta website. Received card in Fall City, Washington.
Just got the Delta card today in Simi Valley, CA. 93065– Obviously a scam.
FLY AWAY~(on one side) the other
CONGRATULATIONS! You have been selected to receive 2 round trip air fares in the continental US plus 3 day 2 night hotel stay.Call with in 48 hours. You will also receive as a bonus a $100.00 gas rebate voucher!
1-800-829-6167