Delta postcard about free airline tickets & hotel

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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:

527 replies
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  1. Merry says:

    I got one today Dec 6, 2012 in Blountsville, AL. Says…2 U.S. Airways tickets and 3 days/4 nights at a Marriott or Hilton plus $50 Priceline.com Hotel Cash Card. Reads “powered by priceline.com” on front and back. Figured it was a scam so I googled it. Thanks for starting this site and thanks to all those that posted their stories. I have faith in karma…lowlifes who steal from hard working people generally get what they deserve. You get back what you put into this world.

  2. T says:

    Rec’d card w pic of plane w pic of priceline.com $50 card in upper rt hand corner. tx listed was 1-888-842-0058.

  3. Terry says:

    Received a card with US Airways, Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, & Alamo logos and disclaimer that it has nothing to do with them. Round trip, 3d/3n offer like others described here.

  4. JJ says:

    Got one today. Company is Alchemy Travel. It’s a big scam, could just tell by the way my questions were answered. Hope people don’t fall for it. These companies are bad news and make millions off of people who are suckers.

  5. Dave says:

    Received the same postcard as Terry’s today – December 12, 2012. Figured it was a scam and was glad to find this site. Saved me the trouble of calling or wondering what the catch was.

  6. Mark Hancock says:

    Received one yesterday. Has a picture of a airliner with no logo. Says Round Trip Airfare for 2 and a 3 Day/2 Night Marriott Getaway. Powered by Priceline.com Partner Network. Has an Alamo logo. Call toll free 1-877-932-1945 within 48 hours. RSVP Code 3838. Also says in fine print Certain restrictions apply. Call for details. Taxes & registration fees and/or procession fees are the responsibility of the recipient. This proton not sponsored by Marriott, Hilton, Priceline.com or Alamo. Not applicable to Alaska or Hawaii.

    Also says you will receive a $50 Priceline.com Hotel Cash Card to be used at any time.

    My wife wants me to Call.

  7. Rick says:

    Similar card. Contents almost identical to 1st one listed, back in 2011. No company name, just says “powered by priceline.com partner network.”

  8. Sinead says:

    Received today in Minneapolis -12.13.12. From Priceline.com, ‘in celebration of their new fall package’! (Fall? It’s December! There’s a foot of snow outside in Minneapolis!) Glad to have this resource to check this kind of stuff out on! Thanks!

  9. Richard K says:

    I received a very similar postcard with “US Airways” identified. I wrote to Priceline to ask about the legitimacy and this is their response:

    Dear Richard,

    Thank you for taking the time to send us an e-mail.

    The promotional offer you received is not legitimate, and it is not offered by priceline.com. If you contacted the phone number listed on the post card and provided your debit or credit card information, please contact your bank immediately.

    We are trying to track down who is sending these postcards in order to put an end to it. It would help us if you would mail the post card to our corporate office for review. Please mail the post card to:

    Attention: Senior Vice President of Customer Service priceline.com (or travelweb.com, etc…)
    800 Connecticut Ave, 3 West
    Norwalk, CT 06854

    We thank you for the opportunity to assist you and hope you find this information helpful.

    Sincerely,

    Dipen M.
    Customer Service Specialist

    _________________________________________

    I mailed them the postcard.

  10. Craig says:

    I just received one with American Airlines as the airline and to call 800-279-8922 for 3 day/2 night hotel stay. FWIW, the the postage staes its from Las Vegas, NV permit #2736.

  11. John Comstock says:

    I received a post card offer today in Albuquerque, NM for 2 round trip tickets on US Airways to anywhere in the continental U.S., and 3 days/2 nights at any Marriott or Hilton in the continental U.S. It said to call 1-866-743-9127, M.-F. 1 to 8 PM. It gave a RSVP with 2 letters and 4 numbers. I called and left my name and number and the RSVP letters/numbers. (I’ll see what happens but I’m very suspicious at this point.) Their phone mail message sounded like “Rosewert Services.” A few minutes later our phone rang but no one was there and it didn’t register on our caller ID.

  12. Pete Smith says:

    Got one today in the mail in Hawaii. Mind had the WELCOME to Fabulous LAS VEGAS sign on the front. Everything the exact same thing but the phone number was 1-877-291-9729.

  13. Kevin P says:

    Received one today in San Diego, CA for same offer as John Comstock: tickets on US Airways and stays at Marriott or Hilton. Priceline, Alamo, and Chevron logos adorn the postcard. Postage paid was from West Palm Beach, FL, and number given was 1-877-350-0359. Thing that raised my suspicions: plane pictured on postcard has US Airways color scheme, but US Airways titles and logo, and FAA tail number have been photo-shopped off the plane.

  14. Laurie says:

    Got mine today, it says us airways, and Marriott getaway.
    Southern Oregon.
    Phone # 1-877-876-5588 RVSP # 4718, call Monday thru Sunday 9am to 9pm
    If you call in 48 hours you also get a $50 Priceline.com hotel cash card.
    Tiny print at bottom left says certain restrictions apply, call for details. Taxes and or processing fees are the responsibility of the recipient. This promotion is not sponsored by US Airways, Marriott, Hilton or Priceline.com.
    Not applicable to Alaska or Hawaii

  15. Cheryl says:

    I received a card in December saying Congratulations! You are going to receive 2 round trip airfares on US airways flying anywhere in the continental US and 3 days/2 nights at any Marriott or Hilton in the Continental U.S. Call within 48 hours. You will also receive as a bonus a 3 day rental car by alamo plus a $50 priceline.come hotel cash card. Call toll free 1-877-898-3285 with in 7 days. We didn’t call but then received a US AIRLINES check for $1298.00 and it said it would be void after 30 days and in the memo it said it must be redeemed for travel certificate. My husband called 1-877-962-7089 made an appointment and was told that it would be held at 450 Sentry Parkway in Blue Bell, Pa. and it was sponsored by Rapid Travel rewards 1-866-949-0151 (knowing it was some promotion but he loves saying no and getting free stuff). But two days before the appointment they called him and he said he was thinking of cancelling. They encouraged him to talk to his wife that night again and let them know. I had dealt with timeshare and land sales people before and really didn’t want to go and waste hours on this. But with all the comments on this page my husband also decided it wasn’t worth the time and we would spend a tank of gas just getting there. I too now will be mailing my card to priceline.

  16. Ray says:

    Received a card today in Honolulu, HI. It says, “Fly a US Airline. 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 3 day 2 night hotel stay!” The number to call is 1-877-291-9729.

  18. CAROB says:

    Would like to know if anyone has gone to a presentation? Someone is paying their phone bill and staff to mail all this junk.

  19. John says:

    I am in Tennessee. January 19, 2013

    Received a post card with same airplane/blue sky photo shown above with text underneath “2 Tickets on a US airline plus a Marriott getaway! In small print in lower right corner “$50 Hotel cared powered by priceline.com”

    On address side: box with ……….
    RSVP Code $50 Hotel card Tampa FL
    3926 owered by priceline.com Permit #78

    Dear My Name

    Congratulations! You have been identified to receive 2 Round Trip Airfares on a US Airline flying to Most Major Airports in the Continental US and 3 Days / 2 NIghat at a Mariott or Hilton in the Continental US. Also, you will receive a $50 Pricelinecom Hotel Cash Card to be used at any time.

    Call Within 48 hours. You will also receive as a bonus a 3 day Rent-A-Car by Slamo plus a $100 rebate gas voucher. (logos of Alamo and Chevron)

    We have attempt contacting you several times. This is our last attempt.
    Call Toll Free 1-855-343-4988 Monday – Sunday 9AM to 9PM

    IN small print
    … This promotion not
    sponsored by Marriott, Hilton,
    Chevron, Priceline.com or Alamo…

    I smell a rat. I won’t fall for this. Neither should you.

  20. Dell Kingsberry says:

    Got mine today. It was one of those tear the side to open things that was decorated with baloons, etc and read Happy Birthday. This one used US Airlines, Marriott hotels and Alamo Car Rentals. No way I would bite at this

  21. JMitch says:

    Rec’d one with Norwegian Cruise Lines as the company today in NC.
    Dear***,
    In celebration of our Grand Opening in your area, you have been selected to receive a 7 day/6 night cruise for 2, leaving from a major port in the US.
    Call within 48 hours. You will also receive as abonus 2 round trip airfares leaving from or going to a major airport in the continental US!
    We have been trying to contact you! (This is not a timeshare or land sale offer). Note that this award must be claimed by no later than 7 days after postmark.
    Toll Free 1-888-266-5503
    Monday-Saturday 9 am to 9 pm EST
    On the left side of postcard:
    Port of call 1: a major us port
    Port of call 2: Freeport, Bahamas
    Port of call 3: St Thomas
    Certain restrictions apply. Call for details of participation. This promotion is not sponsored by or affiliated with Norwegian Cruise Lines, but they are a major supplier. Recipient is responsible for any applicable deposits, port charges, taxes and/or fees. While supplies last.

    Noted: First, there is no postmark (DUH!), because it is presorted 1st class postage paid mail, which doesn’t get postmarked! “West Palm Beach, FL Permit 1002”

    Nice quality postmark, so I’m sure it works on some, especially with the cruise line photos and logo plastered all over it. I wonder how the folks at Delta, Norwegian, etc feel about this?

  22. Joan Stahl says:

    Got one today 1/22/13 It was Delta Fly Away Promotion. On the back it was in celebration of our new winter packages, we’ve selected you to receive 2 round trip airfares to anywhere in the contiguous United States – good for the next 12 months!

    Call within 48 hours and receive a 3 day 2 night hotel stay at major brands.

    To claim this special offer simplt call and mention your promo code.

    then you get a number to call….
    Jo

  23. Lisa says:

    Postcard from Delta came last week – we are in Southwest FL. Figured it was bogus because it was addressed to us “or Current Resident”!

  24. Cheryl says:

    Received my postcard 2/4/2013 as a Travelocity hotel gift card. Offers 2 round-trip airline tickets on Southwest, Jet Blue, United or a comparable airline, plus a 3-day/ 2-night weekend getaway at a hotel such as Marriott, Hyatt and Hilton. Also a $50 Travelocity Hotel Cash Card. Call within 48 hours. Also receive a bonus 3 day rent-a-car plus a $100 dining card. A note in small print says, “Certain restrictions apply. Call for details. Taxes & registration fees and/or processing fees are the responsibility of the recipient. This promotion not sponsored by Marriott, Hilton, Travelocity. Not applicable to Alaska or Hawaii.”

  25. DeChris says:

    OK, my turn! I got a small check size notice saying Final Notice, Travel Check and Personal and Confidential on the front. The big give away is AUTO sort code above my name. It looks like an official check printed inside from “FLY THE US SKIES”, paying to USA Airlines in my behalf. An airline company called USA Airlines does not exist. There is US Airways but NOT USA Airlines. I also Googled the number on the check which came up in Tokyo. Interesting! I was actually looking for some flight deals today. Coincidence?! Glad this post was here. Thanks!

  27. Mark says:

    Received one in SW Florida to celebrate their “new year packages”

    Called before I looked it up. Just a answering machine.

  28. KY Lee says:

    I received a similar postcard. The perpetrators are targeting residents of Hawaii. It says,

    Dear XX,
    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 3 DAY 2 NIGHT HOTEL STAY! WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO CONTACT YOU! (THIS IS NO A TIMESHARE OR LAND SALE OFFER) To claim this special offer, simply call 1-877-291-9729 RSVP XXXX Mon – SUN 7 AM to 7 PM.

    This is scam.

  31. Kirk Taneshiro says:

    Got card today in Honolulu, HI with United Airlines vs. Delta markings. 2 round trips to Vegas plus hotel. Card phone is 888-295-9251

  36. Cheryl Snow says:

    I received the travelocity postcard offering two roundtrip tickets on southwest and jetblue. Its a scam…dont do it.

  37. JC says:

    Received a card from “Delta” today. Mansfield, TX. 1-888-639-6990. Card was mailed from Las Vegas.

  38. David Goldman says:

    I got the infamous postcard today with the AA logo. Why can’t these folks be put out of business? It’s a predatory scam and they must be using the logos of the airlines illegally. Has anyone pursued a lawsuit?

  40. bschmidt says:

    I received my card from “2013 Delta Fly Away Promotion” yesterday. The phone number was 1-888-939-3648. It had a Las Vegas postmark. Nashua, NH.

  41. Rebekah says:

    I received a Delta Fly Away Promotion this week for 2 round trip airfares. The phone number is 1-888-983-2682. I live on the SW coast of Florida. The postmark is from zip code 46802 which is Indiana, I believe.

  44. KayJay says:

    Received one today. Danville, KY.
    It’s touting Expedia, Southwest and Marriott. No postmark. Mailed under permit 1002 out of West Palm Beach, FL. Phone number is 888-266-5503. Code on it is TRS-xxx-xx.

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