Happy Birthday mailing powered by Expedia Affiliate Network
I’ve gotten a report of a new mailing with similar characteristics as other letters I’ve covered here (click here), but it doesn’t look to be exactly the same sales pitch; unless the same folks are adopting sales tactics of a different group.
One key to this mailing is that there is nothing concrete to search for using Google except for the phone number, so I expect that to be continuous changing.
Here are what some folks say based on searching for the phone number; there are reports of folks that went to the sales presentation, but from a year ago:
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-877-547-7302/3
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-877-547-7302
http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/8663963279
http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/8008136994
Here is the letter:
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-603" title="happybday2" src="https://i0.wp.com/69.6.215.248/wp-content/uploads/happybday2-235×300.jpg?resize=235%2C300" alt="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.brianmorristech.com/wp-content/uploads/happybday2.jpg?resize=235%2C300 235w, https://i2.wp.com/www.brianmorristech.com/wp-content/uploads/happybday2.jpg?resize=804%2C1024 804w, https://i0.wp fastest way to lose belly fat.com/www.brianmorristech.com/wp-content/uploads/happybday2.jpg?w=1598 1598w” sizes=”(max-width: 235px) 100vw, 235px” data-recalc-dims=”1″ />
Here’s what the letter says:
Powered by Expedia Affiliate Network
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
[name]
Our promotional Department has scheduled you to receive TWO ROUND TRIP AIRFARES TO A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN THE CONTINENTAL USA including THREE DAYS & TWO NIGHTS DELUXE accommodations!
To claim this special offer, simply call
1.877.547.7302
MONDAY-FRIDAY
10:00AM – 10:00PM est
SATURDAY
10:00AM – 3:00pm est
TRACKING NUMBER: XXXXXX [they use this to identify you]
PLUS, CALL WITHIN 72 HOURS AND RECEIVE YOUR BONUS OFFER!
Number 1 is $300 bonus and shows Kroger, Target, Giant Eagle, Costco, Walmart logos
Number 2 is a $75 Expedia Affiliate Network gift card
on back of the voucher: Call for details. There is no obligation to purchase or join anything. Certain restrictions apply. User is responsible for taxes. This promotion is not sponsored by or affiliated with Walmart, Target or Marriott, or any other third party business referenced in this promotion.
On the outside, it has presorted standard U.S. postage paid, Tampa, FL permit #78
not even close to what he got
From Mark H on another post:
Got one today – a little different. A birthday greeting and in celebration, I am going to receive two airline tickets with a call in bonus if I call within the next 72 hours – 7-day rent a car – with Alamo or Enterprise. Same US Airlines – same Fly the US skies logo. No VP signed mine – I must not be important enough. There was a return address for 1st Class Travel, 22 Washington Street, suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60602. Googled the address and suite number and found that this is Regus office – kind of a rent an office. Got a couple of other numbers off the site
22 W. Washington Street
Suite 1500
Chicago, Illinois 60602
United States
Main tel: +1 312-854-8000
Main fax: +1 312-854-8001
They keep trying – must be some people falling for this.
I just got one today. 2 round trip airline tickets plus an 8 day cruise.
If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Thanks for the information, Brian.
I just got one today. 2 round trip airline tickets plus an 8 day/7 night cruise. It looked too good to be true. It is!!
I hope no one takes these crooks up for this. There is not anything for free.
Faye
Has anybody actually called the number to ask for the tickets?
Did you visit the links referenced? There are stories of folks that called and went to the sales presentation.
I received this mailing today. Funny thing, I questioned it but is is very close to my birthday.
My letter says I won a 8-Day/7-Night Cruise for 2. I also won a Bonus Gift- 2Round Trip Airfares.
I called the number and ask them what this was about. I explained that I have “Googled” the number and that numerous people have done the same saying that they have found it not to be legitimate. The man who I was speaking with sounded younger. He told me that I was wasting his time if I wouldn’t give him the offer number.
I did ask who they were. I told him there wasn’t a return address on the mailing. He told me they were ‘Vacation (blahhh) I couldn’t understand him. I asked, Vacation 4’s ? He said no, (blahhhh) again I couldn’t understand him. He said “T” blahhh, couldn’t understand again. He then spelled it for me and totally mispronounced the word “TOURS”. They are a “Promotion company called Vacation Tours” they are out of “Florida”
This is what I was told. He told me he was working with two travel companies now. One out of Guernee Il and the other out of Madison WI. and that he couldn’t give me any further information because I wouldn’t give him the offer number and that I was wasting his time. My next step is to check out the legitimacy of “Vacation Tours” in Florida.
I really hate being lied to, manipulated,and schemed after.
I called and have offer number. They said that they are affiliated with travel agency In Tinley Park , il and I would have to come in for 90 minute advertisement for company with no obligations but it is only for married couples. Since I answered I was single, I was not elgible
My husband received one today — and it is his birthday. It says, “Our Promotional Department has scheduled you to receive a New Laptop/Netbook Computer complete with New Microsoft Software!” These complimentary netbooks are “Powered by Windows Embedded” and run on “Windows CE 6.0 Operating System”. Also, if that isn’t temptation enough, there is a “BONUS OFFER of 2 ROUNDTRIP AIRLINE TICKETS in the continguos (sic) U.S.” This reminded me very much of the airline scam letters we received within the past year and posted about here. This one is not hand-addressed, however, and there aren’t any signatures by a vice-president. The postage mark is “presorted standard U.S. postage paid Tampa, Fl Permit #78”.
Thanks, Brian, for providing a place for people to post about this.
Got one for my wife a couple of days ago. Her birthday is, indeed, in about a week. Somehow, these folks have obtained birthdate information AND name/address info to go along with it. Must have been from some kind of contest she entered. Ours is for an 8-day Carnival Cruise for 2 with an outside cabin. Bonus: 2 round-trip airfares. It has the tracking number. If this were from a legitimate company, there would be a return address on the mailer. As Nan said, the postage permit is registered in Tampa, FL (#78) and the hours of operation are Eastern Standard Time, which includes Florida, of course.
The one I received is just like what Nan received. “Complimentary netbook” and two round trip airline tickets if I call within 72 hours. Glad I found this site to confirm what I already suspected. SCAM.
Received one today – my birthday’s next Sunday. Says in celebration of my birthday I was verified and as a result of this offer, my ticketing number has been issued. It’s for an 8-day/7-night cruise for 2 with an outside cabin. If I call within 48 hours, I get 2 round-trip airfares. Looks like the cruise is on Carnival so I’m going to pass. Too much negative press on them to take any chances.
I just got one today, was tempted to call, but figured nothing is really free specially in today’s world.
My wife got one yesterday. Permit number 78 Tampa Florida. After being
on 27 cruised and flying many more times than that I knew it was a scam.
I hope some folks who have never traveled due to the high cost involved fall for this. Seem it is Postal Fraud. The USPS does not have time to mess with this.
Knowing that its a ripoff, I called and was put on hold and while I was waiting some guy acidently got on line and said: “Whats he gonna do get out a warrant on me!” I swear thats what he said. And of course I had to hang up because I was laughing
Got this today. Looks like a scam and just came on here to see if others had dealt with it. Don’t see anyone actually going along calling and giving out their credit card info. I don’t wanna call, don’t want them to get my phone number, there’s enough scammers with my phone number out their already.
Got one today and I called. The conversation is as follows:
HIM: “Thanks for Calling and Congratulations. May I have your offer code?”
ME: “Offer code XXXXXXXX. What company are you with?”
HIM: “I am with a company in Ormond Beach, Florida. Let me do the Talking Boss and we can get through this as quick as possible.”
ME: “No I think I should do some of the talking and question asking. Is this a time share.”
HIM: “It is not a time share and you are not required to buy. If you come to a Grand Opening event in Ormond Beach we will give you 2 fabulous Christmas gifts. You just need to bring you and your wife.”
ME: “I’m not married.”
HIM: “You have a significant other?”
ME: “Nope”
HIM: “Damnit you are not qualified. Why do they waste my g*d Damn time.”
SOUNDS LIKE A TIME SHARE OR HIGH PRESSURE SALES TO ME.
I received this same mailer, wishing me a Happy Birthday, which is in less than 2 weeks, and in celebration of it, I am to receive an 8 day/7 night cruise for two with an outside cabin. If I call within 48 hours I will receive as a bonus two round-trip airfares. Oddly, a certificate for the two free round-trip airfares was included…so no rush needed on that call (heehee.) There is no return address, only the 877-547-7302 phone number and times I can call that are EST. Postage paid in Tampa, FL, permit #78. I don’t think this is legitimate, or at least, it’s a high pressure sales gimmick. Not calling.
I received the “happy birthday” one today. My birthday is coming soon…….How do they get this info?
My offer was for an 8day/7night Carnival cruise and the bonus 2 round-trip airfares. Have to call the 877-547-7302 number – same Tampa Fl post office permit.
God help the poor fool that falls for this scam!
Let’s hear from someone who when through all the hoops. What happened? Did you get the prizes? And/or get put on a master junk mailer.
Please log onto your States Attorney General’s Office and file a complaint. Tell them these guys have your birth date and suspect they might have additional information that you did not give them. Ask them to investigate them. I pity the person that falls for this. I sure there are a few.
Here’s another site with posters, and at least one went to the presentation. Walked out. Apparently the fine print of paying taxes, fees, etc. amounts to what the cruise would cost you anyway.
http://swflorida.blogspot.com/2011/11/free-round-trip-airfarecruise-birthday.html
I want to hear from someone who went to the presentation and if they got the cruise and free airline tiks. Why so many parrots saying they didn’t go because it’s a scam. If you ignored it than please move on and don’t take up space on the thread. thx
Ok then — http://69.6.215.248/?p=869&cpage=3#comment-12765
Got one today as well. Obvious scam, but is near my birthday. Which leads me to believe social sites or other sites like google sold my info to a scammers. I have been getting bombarded by crap mailers recently and I can very cautious about who I provide my info. Welcome to to the information age, pft.
tauras911,
I doubt they work that hard, so much information is available for purchase, just after you fill out a warranty registration, magazine subscription, restaurant giveaway, etc.
Got one today 8/7 Carnival Cruise plus two airfares. same 877-547-7302 number. I think the birthday thing is just a guess on their part since my bday was about 5 months ago. I called. The woman gave me a first and last name (Her name was Elaine Robinson. Sounded african american – just giving you any details I can)and another phone number to call on Monday – 877-313-3326. She’s probably screening, then the second guy will probably want the credit card on Monday. I might take it for a little ride to see how far it goes, but I agree it sounds like some kind of scam.
She said they were with East Coast Travel Club (no hits on google search). and said I’d need to go to a 90 min presentation in Chapel Hill, NC. – about an hour from where I live. She said it was not a time share or real estate – just an advertising promotion.
Hope this helps others take the search further to figure out the truth.
This is a total scam – so is The East Coast Travel Company out of Asheville or Chapel Hill that is also sending out the same type of offers. Grand Discovery called back the night before our scheduled meeting to confirm and when I cancelled and they asked why – as soon as I said SCAM – the girl hung up. STAY AWAY FROM THESE COMPANIES
Got a new one from the same folks today
Same “first class US Postage Paid Tampa, Fl Permit #78”
Offers:
2 airline tickets and a 3 day 2 night marriott getaway plus $50 vacation cash card
$500 in grocery savings AND $500 in Dining Savings
1-855-879-8217
Postcard complete with authentic Walmart and Target logos
Got one from the same folks some time back.
Same “first class US Postage Paid Tampa, Fl Permit #78″
Postcard complete with authentic Walmart and Target logos
Offers:
PostcardPicture side: 2 US AIRLINE TICKETS PLUS A $50 VACATION CASH CARD and on the reverse (address side) $1000 SAVINGS CERTIFICATE-GUARANTEED SAVINGS. $500 I GUARANTEED GROCERY SAVINGS. $500 I GUARANTEED DINING SAVINGS. Call 1-855-879-8217
I suspect this is for a VACATION/TRAVEL CLUB and sometimes a BUYING CLUB. The sales promotion sales pitch and grind is just like a time share promotion sales pitch except they explain how much better their offer is than a timeshare program. These are big business in resort areas like Pigeon Forge, TN and Branson, MO where I have seen them and no doubt other places also.
You are given a general presentation, and then are paired up with a sales rep who tries to close the deal.