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
Received mine today in Marietta, GA. Handwritten envelope from Phoenix with a stamp. I guess I should be honored that I apparently got a new number, 1-866-209-5771, and new VP, Hillary Baio. Seems like these guys may be keeping the USPS in business!
Got mine today. Was made to look like an IRS mailing with the same font that the IRS uses for the tax year (2011). “Official Documents Enclosed” not.
FINAL NOTICE. actually, it was the first.
U.S. Airlines. no such airline. # was 866-207-3247
Got one today. Canton, GA. 1-866-211-9693. Shauna West VP. Must respond by August 3rd. Received 8-5. Thanks for this site!
I got mine yesterday,can’t the FBI go after these people.
I got the letter today. Knew it was a scam as it didnt even pass the visual test for authenticity. These guys are wasting our valuable time and depriving the nation it’s productivity. These thoughts will last in your mind for at least an hour were you will have reduced productivity. given the state of economy, we might well start a class action lawsuit against these guys. Since anyone who get absorbed into this scam will have some financial impacts and hence their ability to pay government taxes, there should also be a investigation against these people. Did any one complain to the police? I am going to complain about this..let’s see where it ends up.
Received my US Airlines letter today. No return address. My address handwritten in Gel Pen (nice touch) and my letter was signed Hillary Baio, Vice President. If you don’t even put an address on your “letterhead” how do people fall for this scam? Anyways, they used my maiden name from 3 years ago (great mailing list guys)
I got my letter today – it went to an old address from 3 years ago also – signed by Shauna West, Vice-President. Looked fishy, so I googled the phone number and it got me here. No website or address on the letter. I automatically assumed it was US Air (US Airways) – didn’t really catch the difference in name. Sneaky.
Got the same one in Georgia, 1-866-209-5771 signed by Hillary Baio
Got mine today… damn it! I missed the deadline (’cause I had to respond by aug 10th… lol
Got the letter today in Arizona! Same thing with bording pass. Looked up the 866 296 9748 number and found nothing.
It comes in what looks like US govt mailer with tiny note “not govt doc.”
Personal and Confidential
Final Notice!!
LOL. Also received mine today in Georgia.
Letter Dated August 1, 2011
Letter Post Dated August 08, 2011
Had to reply by August 10, 2011
Letter Delivered August 12, 2011
Signed by Vice President Hillary Bajo
Phone 1-866-209-5771
All other information is the same as mentioned in above posts.
Just got my letter today….signed by Hillary Baio also. I am in Kennesaw, Ga. Knew that US Airlines does not exist but there is a US Airways so I had to check it out. When anything is too good to be true…it IS too good to be true. It was a poorly constructed letter, the heading looked too plain to be from a VP, a US Airlines logo that looked like one arrow on top of another or something to that effect. the code at the bottom read: DL-xxxx, for what it’s worth.
My husband got a letter yesterday. We live in WI so now you can add us to that scam. He plans on calling and giving them some crap for fun.
Got mine today from Hillary Baio. I wonder how many people really fall for this crap? I’m in the Milwaukee area.
Hillary Baio must be a busy person. I got mine here in WI today. Dated Aug. 8th. Respond by Aug. 17th. 1-866-295-5155 phone number. I wonder what would happen if you asked for the $1400 instead of the tickets?
Looks like it to the shredder for this letter.
Got a letter today in Michigan….nice try!
I also recieved mine here in michigan. 8-13-11. Ford motor company doesn’t sent you letters to say hey come pick up your free car lol. I knew it was fake and too good to be true glad I checked on line for more info.
Hi Everyone,
This company must be seized ASAP by the government. They have our addresses, phone numbers and more are probably selling them now!
Why doesn’t the government nail these crooks?
This is a major scam and must stop!
Thanks for the postings. Bill
Got one today in Scottsdale, AZ. It came disguised as a government document. I knew it was bogus and found it on your website. Keep up the good work.
jGot my “check” in the mailbox just now, perforated edges to rip apart and postage paid by permit Phoenix AZ. “US Airlnes, Fly the US Skies” Phone 866-296-6227. signed by jane austin to be redeemed by aug 23rd.
Funny thing is this “check” is not a check. A bank routing number (at the bottom of the check between the :xxxxxxxxx:) is always 9 numbers, this one is 12.
garbage.
Got one today. Only now they look like the 1099 envelopes mailed each year. I suppose its to entice you to open it. Mine is from Oklahoma.
Got one today. Its signed by Jessica Nish. Tele# 1-866-292-1097. Kinda mad I could have used 2 free tickets. LOL what a scam. Glad this was posted thx.
Apparently, my father has a travel check of $1,400 to redeem, and also a final notice; so we better hurry. Number: 866.211.6870. Signed Jane Austin. Really?!!!
I am from WI. My husband got one yesterday…FINAL NOTICE. Which is funny since there was never a 1st notice. It is the kind with the perfered sides that need to be torn off. I love that on the part that looks like a check is says “This document has a blue background”…like someone might try to copy it…seriously!!?? Was US Airlines and for $1400.
my wife got one of these yesterday….so fake lol C. Ray is the signature on the check. Wish we could cash it and keep the money but I know we cant lol Said Final Notice and gives the US Airlines with Travel Union based in Phoenix, AZ. Check No. DL-88274. Phone Number of 866-296-2529.
I got mine today in Riverview, Florida. Do these oeople think we are as ignorant as they are??
We recieved one today from Jessica Nish (VP) at 866-281-0797.
Got one signed by Jessica Nish. Thought the hand written address and signature was a nice, classy touch to an otherwise extremely lame attempt.
Marietta, Ga. Got mine today from US Airlines, mailed from Phoenix Arizona. Hand written envelope, Letter looks like a copy except for signature.
800 # was 866.283.1937 and signed by Jessica Nish.
Well thanks a bunch you guys. Ms Nish is now spamming me!
Tell you what: I’ll call her and end this. You’re welcome.
Tampa, Florida
Received one today, from Oklahoma City, OK it’s an URGENT mail and of course FINAL NOTICE!!! It does not say from who exactly but to contact awards department
@ 1-866-284-7721 by the deadline date September 12, 2011
Got it today, Oklahoma City, Ok Final Notice..exactly like Tampa except I have until Sept 14th to redeem. 1-866-240-7643
I hope they are having to pay for the 1 800 numbers.
Got one (Colorado). So I decided to have my fun with them. THe number this time 866-230-5621. I used google phone, no chance of them locating me. I acted like I was really interested in kept asking the agent lots of interesting questions about the program and acted like I was hard of hearing (which to be honest is not far off the truth according to my wife, kids and closests friends). I kept telling them I was really interest and could they talk SLOWLY and CLEARLY and LOADLY so I could write some of it down. Finally after about 20 minutes of this I change my entire demeanor on the phone and acted like a cop/investigator trying to protect the innocents. I scared the living daylights out of the agent and perhaps gave them a second thought about the job… I had my 20 minutes of fun. And yes I SHREDDED the darn worthless piece of paper!!!!!
I recieved my letter today. Even my young daughter knew it was fake by the letterhead really do people fall for this.
Mine came as a “Happy Birthday” card.
I got a letter today. It was signed by Marsha Kid.
There’s a mew approach. I received an award notification but it was a check made payable to US Airlines on behalf of ME for $1,400 authorized signature by D.Wade. The check would be void after 30 days. I should call 866-238-8146 and this is my final notice. I did call and was told I would need to attend a meet and greet of 90 minutes, bring two forms of Id, a Credit Card and Photo ID. At the end of the seminar I would received two complimentary tickets to be used to travel anywhere in the US except Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico.
I got the same letter as listed above, signed by D Wade w/ the same phone #. The check looked very official (blue background) with the side tear off strips. So glad I looked on here. I knew it was fake, but someone must be falling for this stuff or they wouldn’t keep sending it out! It must cost a small fortune to send these things out to so many.
we got one yesterday, we live in Florida, so funny my husband kind of belive at first, but thank you guys, I did research, and I got some idea about SPAM…. Yes NOTHING IS FREE!!!!
Recieved flight coupon from scam stating an AWARD NOTIFICATION official documents. Final notice call back prior to Sept 21, 2011. Letter came with flight coupon/boarding pass. Ph# 1-866-240-5585. Thank all for the heads up !!
Got my letter on 23rd September, in Sarasota, Florida. I decided that I would have some fun, Everything went smootly until I informed the person at the other end of the phone that the whole conversation was being recorded. It suddenly went dead. I wonder why?
HAHA
I live in Naples, FL, got mine today. What a world in which we are living?
Rec’d letter today in Boulder, CO. I have until Oct 5 to redeem these two US Airlines tickets. I rec’d a boarding pass. Thanks for confirming this is a scam and it will go in the trash.
I had just bought an airline ticket on-line a month ago…perhaps that is where they got my info.
I got my letter today. Actually this was a follow up, they say I may soon lose out if I don’t act soon!
Mine was hand-addressed and postmarked Phoenix (i live in phoenix). The name on mine was “Linda Ford”, Vice president.
Got our letter today. We are in Phoenix AZ and the postmark is from Phoenix AZ. The telephone number is 866-227-2654. The letter is signed by Linda Ford Vice President.
I received the “You have been selected to receive 2 Round Trip Airfares to anywhere US Air flies” in the mail today.
It also included; Call within 48 hours to receive a bonus 3 day 2 night hotel stay.
This one came in the form of a post card.
If it sounds to good to be true; do an internet search. What would ever qualify me for this? Be smart people.
Got my letter yesterday signed by Linda Ford Vice President……Yeah, right.
I have caller ID…… my first tip, this number has NEVER been recorded.
We received one signed by Linda Ford Vice President, we are in the Metro Detroit Area.
Same letter from Linda Ford – VP. Phone number listed 866-268-5674, no address or website listed. Award # EA-xxxx4. Thanks for all the replies on this website.