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
I just received another letter on by this outfit, only now it says “American Airways” at the top. So I called up and talked to one of their agents. He said the name of the company is “Universal Travel Deals .com. So I checked them out and sent the letter back to the registrant of their website: Namecheap.com aka Whoisguard.com, 11400 W Olympic Blvd Suite 200, Los Angeles Ca 90064. Their fax is 661-310-2107 I guess they never bothered to check and see if I’m on the direct Marketing Associations Opt Out list which I am. So I guess they are in violation of the law for spamming my mail box.
Well,
It is not “Dorothy Nale” any more folks. It is Ashley Hill.
I just got my award notice today. My mom faxed it to me with a note about how I should call. My mom is 76 years old and just does not understand scams at all. She has been taken by a few. I may just call the number of 866-537-4525 and mess with these people as it went to my mom’s address. I had to google US Airlines because I had never heard of them…ha, wonder why.
I got one today! I need to respond by June 20th and it was signed by Ashley Hill, Vice President. Yah!
Thank you for posting this information, I received same letter as SFnative, just after though my email was hacked, so not sure if this had anything to do with it.
Ashley Hill is the new VP. Letter received in CT today.
Got one today, signed Ashey Hill. So bogus!
Same scam but now here in FL under “American Airways”. Even has the same dbl offset triangles at the lower RH corner of the “Airline Name” (LOL).
The wording is identical. my letter is signed by Renee Cast, Vice President and dated 6/18/12.
The web site “universaltraveldeals.com” is amateurish at best. I was told the company is new and is tring to get their name out there by giving away these 2 roundtrip airline tickets. When I asked if they are trying so hard to get their name out there, why don’t they use their actual name instead of made up names like American Airways, there was silence, then mysteriously, the call somehow got disconnected, what a shame.
Isn’t it fun to just screw with them though.
Have a Blessed day!
Received ANOTHER one … I’m in Chicago suburbs. I get one of these maybe two time a year, funny how they always seem to find me:)
I received a bogus letter dated June 18th, 2012 with the offer of 2 round trip airline tickets (US Airlines) with a stated value of $1,298. It was signed by Ashley Hill, Vice President – the phone number listed is 866-871-8069. Of course, there was no return address (post marked in Arizona) and the phone number is non-traceable using reverse phone number software – all obvious signs of a scam!!!!
Got one today in Elgin, Illinois. Dated June 25th, signed by “Vice President” Jacklyn Bing (any relation to Chandler? 😉 ) number is 866 815-1607 code at bottom is HZ-8xxxx–Many details same as above posts: value of $1,298.00, no return address, mailed from Phoenix, AZ hand-addressed envelope–did anyone else notice their “website” includes TWA as one of the carriers? I hope no one gets taken by these people!
My turn here in Texas to get this letter all the way from Phoenix! Same “US Airlines” and signed by one of their many “Vice Presidents”. Jacklyn Bing Phone # 1-866-821-4248
Stupid Scam Artists!
Wow, this scam has been going on awhile. I just got a letter in the mail today. No signature just Sincerely, Awards Department. Phone number 1-866-764-7019. Two tickets worth up to $1,298. I am located near Wichita, KS.
Just received my US Airlines letter. So glad for the internet. Thanks for al the posting against this scam.
today we received our letter. Looks like this scam has left the Columbus and Pittsburgh areas and is now headded for the Chicago area and suburbs.
Scam now in Texas. VP is Jacklyn Bing. Same letter as mentioned earlier. 866-821-4248.
Obviously fake letter.
I received a letter from US Airlines for 2 roundtrip tickets for $1,298.00 on June 25, 2012.
The scam has made its way to Kansas. The stupidity of these people – it’s an obvious scam, but I checked it anyway. Just the name US Airlines, a combo of US Air (legitimate) or United Airlines (also legit) rang a bell for me.
I go a letter with US Airlines not official and only in Black and white, it says all the same thing but the name is Jacklyn Bing and 1-8660759-4702
Do these scammers not know that the internet is still here. This is a 1990 scam
Ditto. The name is Jacklyn Bing, but phone # is 866-759-4701. The “award is up to” amount is $1298, rather than $1,400. I’m in Belvidere, IL.
yeah I just received this in the mail today, said “CALL US at 1-866-764-7018 to claim your 2 round trip airline tickets worth up to $1,298 today!” It’s not signed by anyone and it says that they have tried contacting us several times, it said the boarding time was 7:40AM and takeoff was 8:10am dang and i was actually excited.. going to Hawaii in a few months and thought I was getting a free ride there! I knew it was a scam since i didn’t enter any contests for free airline tickets!
I received a letter today 7/7/12 from Jacklyn Bing, Vice President. Phone number is 866-759-4719. So glad there’s a place to check this out.
YEP! Got one too! This one is signed by Amelia Luna and is for $1398.00 from Travel Union in Scottsdale, AZ phone is 1-866-746-4406
I recieved this letter today 7/9/12 in a hand written envelope, states I must respond no later than July 11th 2012, and is signed by Jacklyn Bing, phone # 1-866-759-4702. I knew it was a scam right of way and just wish I could take it or send it someone for investigative purposes!
Rec’d mine today as well, signed by Jacklyn Bing, phone # 1-866-779-7459.
my sister got this letter in the mail and gave it to me because she didn’t fly so the first thing i saw is the name of the airline so i google it and got this site the name on her letter is sign by amelia luna and the number is 1-866-746-4406 the travel agent is travel union scottdale az 85251 post mark june 28,2012 need to respond by july 12 2012 wow i can’t believe then people are still at it by the way we live in florida and they have got a hold lot better with there letter because this one look real only thing give them away is the name of the air lines i didn’t call the number but almost did until i saw the name of the airline if people wasn’t a wear of the airline they could easy be fool think god for site like this one
I got mine today for 2 tix worth up to $1298.00 and signed by Kerry Dyer Vice President with phone# 1-866-546-1689 but there is one discrepency letter was posted July 9th 2012 and note said it has to be respond no later than June 18th, 2012
They’ve changed their strategy again. Now instead of a letter, they send what looks like a check “pay to the order of: US Airlines on behalf of [Your Name]”
A small letter is attached at the perforated seam that says thing like “We’ve tried contacting you several times. This is your last chance to respond” and “Call now to see if you qualify”, which tells me that I really haven’t won anything. The phone # listed is 1-866-739-0431, and surprisingly there were no hits on google connected to this #. I’ll be reporting this to the Scottsdale, AZ BBB.
Got a letter from them a while back which I ignored – just got another one from a Kerry Dyer (Vice President ‘nach). Postmark is Pheonix and the phonenumber is 1-866-546-1689.
Just received this same thing! My sister caught it with the voucher saying “airlines” instead of “airways” as she just booked tickets on US Airways! Goes to show you what this country has become with these little marketers messing with people and somehow staying in business. Mine was bogus and I wish I could find that little piss ant worm and stuff the voucher well I’ll stop! Pretty sad!
Received my award notification voucher for 2 round trip tickets today. Mine is the one that looks like a check for $1398.00. So glad for the internet!!
Postmarked from AZ and phone number is 866-727-9276. Suzanne Jill is the authorized signature.
“Received my award notification voucher for 2 round trip tickets today. Mine is the one that looks like a check for $1398.00. So glad for the internet!!
Postmarked from AZ and phone number is 866-727-9276. Suzanne Jill is the authorized signature.
By LuLu on Jul 16, 2012”
I’m in Indiana, BTW.
I got mine today for 2 tix worth up to $1298.00 and signed by Kerry Dyer Vice President with phone# 1-866-546-1689 but there is one discrepency letter was posted July 13th 2012 and note said it has to be respond no later than June 18th, 2012—
I think that if you booked tix thru an online agent e.g. Orbitz or Tzoo they gotten your info that way, so BTW how many of y’all made a long distance or high value trip but also got phone calls asides this letter?
Thanks for all of your posts. I received my letter the other day and wondered who US Airlines were? I am in Chicago and the phone number on it is 866-568-6314 from Kerry Dyer vice president with the code JH-8xxxx on the bottom. This looks unprofessional which set off a red flag immediately.I am just sad that people fall for this…but happy that we can all communicate vis the internet to protect ourselves.
I just received the exact same letter today signed by vice president kerry dyer. us airlines give me a break. i believe i also received several phone calls from these same people, the only reason i answered they do not stop calling one right after the other, like four times in a row. just three days ago they called and had to answer to get them to stop calling it was at 11:45 at night. thank god for this site because when i searched the number it did not come up.
In Florida
i feel sorry for the people that fall for this and taken advantage of
Got the voucher portion today. Was instantly skeptical so I started searching and found this site. Mine is postmarked Oklahoma City OK number:1-866-546-1688 mine doesn’t even have a website on it anywhere.
Got one dated July 9th, 2012. Signed by Kerry Dyer phone # 1-866-546-1767. Anyone figure out where they are buying our addresses from? I am in Palm Bay, FL. and do not have my address listed in phone book, so must be buying them from somewhere or some site that I have used in the past. Just curious!
My wife recieved one,dated July 16 2012. phone number,which I called and had some fun with,is..1-866-493-9769. Ours was from the VP,Kerry Dyer,so I asked to speak with her directly,I was placed on hold,and after a few minutes,I hung up and called back and gave them the buisness,and told them to”get a real Job,and stop trying to scam people out of thier hard earned pay”. It is amazing to me the lenghts people go to trying to steal,if they only put that effort toward something good,and positive,this world would truly be a better place. Thanks for listening.
I just got one of these. Signed by Jacklyn Bing. Phone number to call is 1-866-779-7459. I’m in the Austin, TX area, but was sent from Phoenix, AZ (in case their canvasing by area).
Second scam in this load of mail. I wish I could just delete my physical mailing address…
I received my letter today post marked 07/18/2012 from Phoenix AZ. The number to call is 1-866-779-4439 and the award amount is also $1,298.00.
Uh, hello? Do people actually fall for these things?
I guess so, since they’ve been doing this for years!!
People please!
Thanks for posting all of this. I knew it was a scam, but it was easy to prove with this site.
Robert Reilly,
I don’t have any evidence of these folks ever calling people, they just lie about that.
this people got me so tiered with there crap they keep sending me this stupid letters , with diferent numbers what can i do to stop them
I received one of these lovely, photo copied letters today. They are happy to inform me that I have won 2 roundtrip airline tickets with a value of $1298.00:)
The toll free # is 1-866-493-9769 and it is signed by VP-Kerry Dyer.
It is postmarked from Phoenix, AZ and I live in MA. The envelope is handwritten with my address with NO return address on it. Big clue!!
Got a letter today with a voucher for 1,398.00 towards 2 round trip tickets. Call 1-866-493-1493 and give reference number JN-4xxxx to certify the voucher. Suzanne Till signed mine. Also says to call to see if I qualify in the letter.
I am in S.W. Florida and received mine today. The Phone number listed is 1-866-493-1492. I have to say they make the letter look very official, as it looks like a check. I hope that with information like this available that not too many people fall victim to this mess!
Received same letters in SE Florida mid July. New it was a scam right away and after finding this blog, am amazed the scam has been going on for at least 2 years! Mine is from US Airlines, signed by “VP Ashley Hill”. I’m planning to report it to the US Postal Inspection service. Didn’t bother to call, don’t need the aggravation!
Just received mine in the mail, signed Jacklyn Paul. With an award voucher worth $1,298.00. They can issue it to the alternate, thanks but no thanks!
received a similar letter today. i qualified for 2 round trip airline tickets worth $1298.00.
from “US AirLines”. a Jacklyn Paul is the VP that signed it.
it looked suspicious, with the hand written envelope and normal stamp with no return address. so I did some research and found this blog. I decided to have some fun with these wankers. I called up and asked to talk to the VP that signed, I refused to speak to anyone else about anything. was put on hold for about 5 minutes, finally someone picked up the phone claiming to be the VP. I unloaded on her, I explained that the attempted scam letter is very amateurish, she ask how a jackass like me would know that, and I told her I was a computer forensics expert with the local law enforcement, trained in recognizing scam methods. she then stated yelling at me that her company was going to sue me for defamation and slander. I in a very calm voice (trying not to laugh) said I look forward to it and as I have sent the letter to the Phoenix, AZ. Attorney Generals office 9it was sent from Phoenix) and the Boston, MA. Attorney Generals office (that’s where I live), and to the FBI fraud center as it is a federal office because it crosses state lines, and that I have asked the local law enforcement to trace the phone number back to the phone service that supplies it and from there I will be able to find the local LEC that services the number and from there I would be able to find out who ordered the line.
She yelled F*** YOU and slammed the phone down.
Trolling scammers can be fun!!!
I received a check like document today from US Airlines in the amount of $1400.00 As many of you have done I’m planning on reporting this to the US Postal Inspection service. This document came from Travel Union, Phoenix, AZ. I’m glad someone took the time to post info on this scam.