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
Just received my “check” today in Indianapolis, IN. Phone # is 1-866-931-4060. Also noticed the “US Airlines” flub right away but decided to check it out on here anyway. Such a crock of crap. How do these people sleep at night?
I got my $1400 check today, September 17. Professional looking “presorted standard US postage paid, Phoenix, AZ. Permit No. 1484”. I am in TN. “Final Notice”, phone number: 1-866-931-4054. Must be redeemed by September 18, 2012. Scam.
My husband just got one today in the mail 9/18/2012 .(IN WA)…phone number 1-866-493-7435 just another scam…. It says urgent, from US Airlines.
Got my letter in the mail. They spelled my wife’s name wrong on the outside of the envelop.
Got my letter yesterday. Went to research before calling and found this website. Thanks.
Got letter in the mail last week. Did some researching and found this site! Thanks to all who posted. I am in Indiana and the number is 1-866-931-4060 VP Autumn Hal.
I received one today…the name signed at the bottomw was Autumn Hal…i guess they couldn’t think of anything original…but the telephone # listed was 1-866-931-4060. I’m glad i research before calling…but its like mom always said Nothing in life is free…
Obviously they are now targeting the Chicgoland area; I am in Aurora. US Airlines for $1,398 with phone 1-866-931-4064. Know what tipped me off? If it is too good to be true…..you got it. Googled it and here it landed me on this fantastic web page. Is this not some form of illegal activty b/c of the deception? BBB has been notified many times. Thanks for starting this forum!
also I got one, and I saw that it was fake, too good… but you call to see that they said and never attended, should make him pay the tickets of all of us, to see if a judge has guts… lol
Just received one today- “Award Notification”- scams seems to still be going. Thanks for the information!
Got one in Iowa. The phone number is 1-866-493-5816. The call back number is 866-213-2799.
Got one in Iowa today. Call back #1-866-381-9961.
My husband received a letter today 2 round trip tickets $1298.00. Of course I thought this was too good to be true not to mention the paper was not of business quality and the letterhead seemed quite fishy. The big alarm to the scam was when my husband said that there was no return address on the envelope. Our letter was signed Cathy stein-VP and to call 1-866-874-8909. After searching the web it brought me here and after reading other posts the only thing we can come up with is that they received his name from flying ONCE in his entire life last year. Thank you all for saving us sometime and confirming our insecurities with this letter!!
Kim R,
I don’t think so, they just buy names and address, sometimes from property records (if you own a home).
Yep- addressed to husband today- same cautions- hand addressed, no return address, and the quality of the paper/logo with no other info on it. I think it must be someone who took those offers to stuff envelopes at home! lol- we didn’t call- trashed it!
9/27/12
I received one today:
Number listed 866-464-1677,
I’m in Tennessee.
Re: Final Notice from US Airlines
bank:Travel Union Scottsdale, AZ 85251
# under the bank address 51-27xxxx/67xxxx
account# at the bottom of the check reads: 217867 390797103487 704937031433
My wife got one today in a happy birthday card. We also got a 7day car rental from budget. They sent a boarding pass that says Fly away anywhere a us airline flies. No value or signiture on it. The number is 866-396-3279
WooHoo – Got my AWARD NOTIFICATION today.
It amazes me how much time, energy and MONEY these clowns put into this scam! It must be working for them!! I received mine today and was excited because I had just signed up for the US Airways credit card and they DO offer two companion tickets. (I had already received those and they are the real deal)..
Mine was a typed official looking document. From Travel Union in Scottsdale, AZ phone number 866-940-1465 – I won $1,400 payable to the Us AIRLINES on behalf of ME! This, of course, was my final notice since they have tried to reach me several times!
I am also in Middle Tennessee.
My husband got one a few days ago. Searched and found this site. I like the idea of calling and playing with them a bit… How about wait til the day after it says to respond by, call and apologize for calling late and let them go through their whole pitch and then let them know that you just wanted to waste their time like they did yours and you are not interested in their scam.
Our call number was 866-937-7118, signed by Vice President Margaret Fultz
You know, if these people were smart, they would read sites like this and see all the hints they could get (about fake looking letterhead, etc). I hope they don’t… more people would fall for it.
My husband received the same letter as above, signed by Margaret Fultz, dated October 1st, 2012. We figured it was a scam, but thanks for confirming it! Appreciate it very much.
I just got the same letter. It looked legit, but glad I found this site so I won’t waste my time. They must be able to find a lot of people who fall for this scam. What a shame.
I got my letter today. It was typewritten, looked very official, and included a box that said “Presorted U.S. postage paid, Oklahoma City OK, Permit No. 324. I may ask the Post Office about that.
I received a letter today as well… same deal:
no return address on the envelope; address is hand written. Margaret Fultz is the sender, of course she is the VP with nothing-to-do.
Atleast it keeps the postal service working… even though they are still bankrupt… after HOW many years? ugh.
Thanks for the scam alert. We got the letter today and, of course, checked the web. It is very official looking, including the Prsrtstd U.S. Postage PAID Oklahoma City, OK permit no. 324.
On back it says to “direct your response to the individual from who this notice is being sent.” The name is “located on the bottom of this notice.” Funny, we’ve never met anyone with the name “Awards Department.”
We didn’t call, but our call back number is 866-754-9146
Received ours in the Indianapolis area on 10/20/2012. “Check” for $1,298.00 signed by W.Cae. Callback # 1-866-754-4866
I got one today mailed from OK City. The phone # is 1-866-754-0958.
got my letter yesterday. What is so funny is I just did some business with US Airways, so for just a second, they had me…then I started paying attention to what i was reading…letter signed by Jaqueline Simms call back number 866-673-3911. I may call them and have some fun at their expense today.
I received the same US Airlines fake check with perforated sides in the mail on 10.26.12. The “check” indicated it must be redeemed by 10.29.12…really 3 days?!?! Made out for two airline tickets up to $1,398 and signed (no printed name) by W Cal. Is that name? Phone number is 1-866-753-7968 and in Indianapolis, IN. Obviously a scam. Glad I researched!
I got one today in the mail too. Not even really a mailing address other than OK City, OK.
We got one today too! I’m glad I looked this up before calling! Thank you for posting this info! I don’t know why people have to be so sleazy!! It had no return address only a post mark from Phoenix, AZ.
I feel soooo lucky. As much as I fly i can’t belive it…FREE tickets. I wish I had a return address because I have alot of time and free offers I can send back to them.
Anyone with an address please let me know, I bulk mail for legit customers and will be more than happy to spend a few bucks to show them how it feels.
I got my letter today with the hand written address and no return address……hhhuuuummmmm lol looked for the number and found this site. Mine was signed by Jamie Cape vice president. Well I am the President of me so F off I think I will call them and have some fun. I think I will ask about there planes and see if I can get a flight I can smoke on wink wink lol. Thanks for the site. The number I got was 1-866-673-3910
Received the letter in Boise, ID today. Retail value $1,298.00! Knew it was a scam, decided to google Jamie Cape at US Airlines. The hand addressed envelope and real stamp were a nice touch. Hope no one falls for this scam.
Recieved ours today in Cabot Arkansas. Signed by Jamie Cape 1-866-673-3910. Thinking of turning it over to our Attorney General. Thank you for posting.
Received another letter in Boise, ID today. Retail value $1,298.00! Knew it was a scam, decided to google Jamie Cape at US Airlines. OB- number at the bottom. Phone number 1-866-493-7410. How would you turn it over to the attorney general! I would hate to have some elderly person call and not check the web to see if it a scam.
@Sharon I am calling them today. They can at least put out the word within the state to watch out for this. I really hate it when cons try to take advantage of other poeple. I will post when I find out If they can do anything here in Arkanssas.
Got another one in Cabot, Arkansas. Signed by Jamie Cape. Vickie-please let me know if you’re turning yours in and I’ll get mine to you too. Thanks to everyone for posting! I was actually on hold when I decided to google it! Saved me the phone conversation!!!
Got one in Conway Arkansas today. Signed by Jamie Cape wanting me to call 1-866-673-3910 and claim 2 round trip tickets valued at $1,298.00. As long as this scam has been running it must be paying off occasionally for these low lifes.
We got our letter in mail today (we’re in Kentucky). Not only did we see a bogus “US Airlines”, but everything about the letter was very suspicious. So, out of curiosity, my husband called for info. Of course it had to be done “today” on the phone…and yeah, we had to use a major credit card. And no, our bank debit card wouldn’t be accepted. BUT! They would INSTEAD give us a cruise, and all we had to do was just pay the taxes up front over the phone. My husband said laughed and said, “For all I know this is a scam–I get some letter in the mail and you are just some voice over the phone wanting my credit card number?! Nope, not interested!” We knew this was bogus.
So after a while my husband decided to call back for a little fun. He called them again and said, “Hey, since your presentation is tomorrow up in Lexington, we’d like to help you guys out by giving you some FREE advertising coverage! We’ll let the news stations up there know about your meeting, and have a news crew come out to film you!” The lady freaked, and said, “Hey, I don’t know anything about this, I just do appointment-setting!” LOL…we had some fun today! 😉
P.S. My husband called back a second time and got another operator…he asked her the same thing, “Do you mind if we give you some FREE advertising coverage with the news?” She said, “Uh…sure. [She wasn’t really sure.] Then he said, “We are also going to contact the attorney general here in Kentucky as well as the state police.” She immediately said, “Hold on, sir, I can’t really hear you!” [Crackling paper was heard.] So he said, “let me repeat that.” And he did…she hung up! My husband is right now on the phone with WKYT Channel 27 news in Lexington giving them the information to cover the “presentation” tomorrow! Yep, this is a major scam! 😉
Got my letter today, outside Boston, MA. Signed by Jamie Cape. So obviously a scam, but I’m not sure how they would benefit by my calling them.
Scam still going strong. I’m in MA, received mine today and it was obviously a scam – handwritten envelope without a return address and really amateur “stationary”. Mine is signed by Jamie Cape, VP and the number to call is 866-752-8964. No date by which I have to reply. Envelope postmarked Phoenix. Hasn’t any regulatory body taken any action to protect the less skeptical?
Got mine in Vilonia AR this morning.
States they have tried to contact me several times and this is their final attempt. Want to give me 2 tickets worth $1298.00, certain restrictions apply. Phone: 866-673-3910. Signed by VP Jamie Cape.
Figured it was a scam so first thing I did was check…..geez, you’d think these fools would give up but there must still be some people gullible enough to fall for it.
Received the “official” IRS looking paper and voucher. No signature and phone number is 1-866-568-6354. I live in lexington ky. Mine was post marked oklahoma city. What idiots!!!!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 7, 2012
CONTACT: AARON SADLER
(501) 682-0517
TICKET OFFERS MAY TAKE CONSUMERS NOWHERE
LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas residents promised free airline tickets on “US Airlines” shouldn’t start packing their bags just yet.
That’s because US Airlines doesn’t exist. And, the tickets offered, if they exist at all, are not free as promised by a direct mail offer that has landed in Arkansas consumers’ mailboxes in recent weeks.
Attorney General Dustin McDaniel’s Consumer Protection Division has received a large number of inquiries about this suspicious solicitation. So, today McDaniel issued this Consumer Alert to warn Arkansans not to share their sensitive personal and financial information in hopes of winning airline tickets, and to be wary of offers of free products that might end up costing them more than the product is worth.
The mailers receive by Arkansas consumers purport to be from US Airlines and state that the recipient has “qualified for an award of two roundtrip airline tickets.” Though it has a similar name to US Airways, the supposed company is in no way affiliated with that or other major airlines.
The mailer states that consumers must call a toll-free number as soon as possible in order to claim their prize. If consumers call the number, they are asked schedule a “tour” of the company’s local travel agency showroom, where they can pick up the promised free tickets. To get the tickets, the consumer must agree to be subjected to a sales pitch for the company’s travel products and agree to pay undisclosed “taxes and fees” for the tickets. The “taxes and fees” can run to more than $100 per ticket.
The company is not local and does not have a showroom. It is a temporary setup operating out of a local hotel.
The Attorney General’s Office has no reports thus far of Arkansas consumers falling for the scheme.
“We are encouraged by the fact that consumers see this clearly for what it is and refuse to believe that airline tickets await them from an airline that doesn’t exist,” McDaniel said. “Even if the company does provide ticket vouchers, any prize that requires a consumer to subject himself to a high-pressure sales promotion and pay taxes and ‘fees’ is anything but free.”
As with any sweepstakes or contest, McDaniel reminded consumers to avoid disclosing their credit card or checking account numbers over the phone to callers who claim they are offering a prize. Also, be wary of sharing information without first knowing a contact number or address by which to request removal from a mailing list.
For more information, or to learn more ways to avoid scams, visit the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division website at http://e2.ma/click/y5dvc/i9xwwb/6vzvu.
Consumers who have received the solicitation from “US Airlines” are encouraged to call the Consumer Protection Division’s hotline at (800) 482-8982 or (501) 682-2341.
Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel | 323 Center Street, Suite 200 | Little Rock, AR 72201 | 501-682-2007
http://e2.ma/click/y5dvc/i9xwwb/2g1vu | oag@arkansasag.gov
Thanks, Fran.
Got mine today here in Georgia,2 roundtrip tickets 1,298.00 Signed by VP Jamie Cape. But looks like thay have another new phone number 1-866-949-7216.Thanke for thr heads up on this.
i just got one today from “american airways” signed by “monica hunt”. what a bunch of crooks, someone should scam these guys back! a**holes!
Got the letter yesterday here in TX.
#866-209-8342 and signed by Jamie Cape. Knew it wasn’t real, I fly quite a bit and never heard of this airlines, but still googled it just to be sure I was right.
They are now in ky went to the 90 min sales speech to get my tickets by thetimeyou have to pay all the processing fees it will be cheaper to buy your tickets online it was a hoax. But At least I did not buy what the crooks were selling like a lot of older ones when I left, they were trying to get you to sign up for a travel membership for 10000.00 dollars and a yearly membership fee of 299.00 then you still have to au for your vacation can you say big,huge scam