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 got one im in billings mt
April’s Fools day! Today I got the US Airlines letter informing of the award of 2 round trip airline tickets. How nice of them, but I will not call.
This scam is going strong since 2010, obviously they have some responders.
I just received one. I’m in Denver, CO. My letter is exactly as the one posted above, by Amber. Hand written envelope with a real stamp. Signed Sue Bayler, VP. 1-866-914-1526.
LAME.
I received a letter today. It is dated April 4, 2013 and set to expire April 14th. They used my complete first name, maiden initial as a middle initial and my last name. I thought that was odd when I first saw the letter since I never use that setup. I have 2 roundtrip tickets for up to $1398 ready to go! haha…if only that were true! 😉
Mine is also from US Airlines, no letterhead, Dana Kline, VP.
I got one one on Feb 27 2013. It read the same but mine also included a check for $1298.00 of course a fake one. I was about to fall for it. Thanks for sharing. This scams should be reported to the police!!
So we got a letter today with no stamp even! Seemed odd that no return address was on it. award of two vouchers to anywhere, not in the envelope of course. Kim Dae Vice president interesting name choice.
South Florida area.
Received mine today. I feel cheated. My letter was on regular typing paper letting me know that several attempts had been made to get in touch with me. The letter was hand signed by Kim Dae mailed from the Phoenix area. It had a 1-866 number for me to call.
They’ve been busy I see!! I received a letter today. It is dated April 12, 2013 and set to expire April 22th. They used my complete first name, middle initial and my last name. I thought that was odd because nobody tried calling me at all. OH BOY!! I have 2 roundtrip tickets for up to $1398 ready to go! haha…if only that were true!
Mine is also from US Airlines, no letterhead, Dana Kline, VP. Prepaid postage fform from Tampa Fla.
Mine was a “Travel Check Voucher” signed by Ashley Faye (Tammy Faye’s daughter?? LOL) It is for 1350. US Airlines. “This can be redeemed for a certificate for 2 round trip airline tickets to anywhere in the continental US from any major international US airport. Certain restrictions may apply. Vacation Getaways and Cruises are available for a limited time.
Etc., etc., etc. Fine prink on back of check says must meet certain age requirements, income levels, “must not be a current travel club owner”, and couples must attend together. More requirements, but thought you would get bored by now. I am!
Just wanted to let you know it’s still going on. Today is 4/23/2013.
Happy scam letter burning to all…
I received my ‘believable’ letter today! Except the vice president ‘today’ is Keli Jae. She even took the time out to sign it personally! Gotta go start packing!
I’m in Georgia, and I got my scam letter today, April 27, 2013. Nice try, Keli Jae (and all of the other Vice Presidents).
Got one from these idiots today. Said it had a “travel Check Voucher Enclosed” and FINAL NOTICE (odd, never received any previous notices, snicker…). It of course was PERSONAL and CONFIDENTIAL. And naturally the documents were “on record as being sent” to me. Scam artist pukes. The back of the check has small print saying “couples must attend together” just like time shares–adds that recipient must not already be a “travel club” owner. Marketing scam all the way. US Airways should sue their pants off. It came from Taylor Barrone at Travel Union in Scottsdale with phone (866) 225-3149. FTC should bust them for making fake checks that must be “redeemed” vs. cashed. Scum of the earth scam artists.
Thanks US Airlines for mailing my deceased husband a voucher for 2 free tickets. I’ll have him get back to you real soon.
These a**hats just sent another one of their scams! I just received a prior one three weeks ago, so am guessing they operate out of more than one location and don’t even keep records of whom they mail to, and when.
This notification, like the first, claims to be my final notice and that I must reference check number **-***** when calling them, and that my travel check ($1,350.00) must be certified to be valid.
They claim they’ve been attempting to contact me and if I don’t claim it, it will be “transferred to the alternate”. Alternate what? How convenient they failed to finish that sentence.
Being a person who flies at least 8 times a week, every stinking week for the past 10 years for my job, my initial red flag was their so-called name. US Airlines.
This business is trying to sell you a vacation getaway on cruise.
I’m going to use my two tickets to fly to Arizona, so I can meet Vice President Keli Hayes in person.
Received mine today the number is 1-855-879-8217. Dana Kline is VP. I am in AZ the postage paid is from Tampa,Florida. It came as a tri-folded letter with two tear tabs on the sides.
Got one in Austin, TX yesterday, Keli Hayes, VP LOL
Lakeway, TX. LOL. I must be the “alternate”. You all should have accepted when you had the chance. VP Keli Hayes sends her regards.
Thanks every body for info. I got mine today in Philadelphia PA.The number is 1-866-722-7798 Keli Hayes VP.
I just received the letter in today’s mail – San Francisco, CA. The number on the letter was 855-879-8217 from Dana Klein. I told my spouse that it was a scam and that I couldn’t wait to Google the number!
I see it has made it’s way to Austin, Texas now! My daughter got one last week, signed by Keli Hayes with the phone # 1-866-233-9576. I would like to know why has this been going on so long and obviously no one has done anything about it! Amazing! Thanks for this post!
My wife just responded to one of these from Dana Kline. We have an appointment for this weekend. My question is… What happens if you go to one of these appointments, listen, and then say “Not interested. May I have my free tickets now?”
Here is a quote from a BBB page linked to above (http://www.bbb.org/nashville/business-reviews/travel-clubs/vacation-station-the-in-nashville-tn-37059617):
“Consumers who attempted to redeem the award for the airline ticket were provided with a brochure outlining numerous fees and restrictions, such as a registration activation fee of $50 per ticket, a $59 processing fee per ticket, travel is not permitted for 7 days before or after any federal holiday, requires a minimum of 90 days booking notice, must be completed within 12 months, recipient is responsible to pay for all expenses including, but not limited to: transfers, food, gratuities, all pertinent fees, taxes and surcharges (airport, airline, and processing) and miscellaneous expenses where applicable. In addition a $50 per person PTS Travel service fee will be levied for all changes, cancellations or no shows, in addition to charges levied by the airline or other travel service provider.”
I just received the letter in Friday’s mail – I live in Thomasville, PA. The number on the letter was 866-233-2329 Sue Grey Vice President. I knew it was a scam because the letter didn’t look “official”. Plus it says they tried to contact me several times. I have caller ID and an answering machine so if they had tried to reach me I would have known. I couldn’t wait to Google it and of course I was correct!
My wife received her letter today. We live near Jacksonville, FL. Same basic story except the phone number is 866-269-0856 and it was signed by Keli Cole, VP
Just received the letter today but V.P. is Keli Cole.
I got one today. It was signed by “Juli West, Vice President.” The number to call was 866-277-2571. My name was hand printed with a real stamp. I am in Louisiana. I thought it was a scam, but wanted to check to be sure. It was postmarked Phoenix, AZ. But, that doesn’t really mean anything because they can hire people anywhere to do that. Thanks for this info.
Have just received a similar mailer from “American”. Phone number lists as 866-277-1610. Signed by “Ali Crane, Vice President”.
Anyone with half a brain better see this is nothing but a scam.
Got mine today. I’m in Louisiana and got the same letter as Linda. Thanks to this blog I won’t be wasting my time. What is it about me and scammers? I have been hit by them about 15 times now!
Just got this today (8 July), in Colorado, new letter head states “American” with same cheesy logo… signed by Al Crane… same wording as Ben above. At least the postal service makes some sorely needed income from these idiots… Sure wish I could spam them back.
I got a letter the same letter as Jason and Linda on Saturday. Looks like they bought a list from Louisiana this time because I am in Louisiana too. Glad I decided to do a web search on the suspicious letter before I wasted my time calling!
Just received the same letter mentioned above from “American” signed by VP Ali Crane. Honestly, it brought a much needed laugh so cheers to them. -Joe from Colorado
They’re still going strong, years later! My envelope has a handwritten address, no return address, and a stamp (it seems their bulk mail permit got pulled), postmark Phoenix. US Airlines “letterhead,” signed by Juli West and I have to call 866-277-4501 BY TOMORROW! Woopee!
I received a handwritten letter today. No return address from Phoenix Arizona. Signed by Juli West, VP. #1-866-740-9250
It is now Jul 15, 2013 and the same scam is going on. Received letter today in plain, hand addressed envelope postmarked Phoenix, AZ. Text is the same as noted in letters from 2010, but now the Vice President is Ali Crane. What takes so long to shut these people DOWN? We live in Maryland.
I live in Florida and got the same letter signed by Juli West and the toll free number is 866-774-6070. Hand written envelope, no return address, postmarked in Phoenix AZ.
received this today and knew it was too good to be true, so I googled it and ended up here
They’re still at it! Phone number is: 1-866-297-6757 and Vice President is now Ali Reed. I live in Jacksonville FL.
Received this letter a few days ago but the name is now Juli West, Vice President.
I got this letter today in Louisiana. Not signed but Ali Reed is the VP. Phone number is 1-866-293-6365.
I got this letter today in washington state. signed by Amy Dae claiming to be the VP of the us airlines. Phone number is 1-866-360-9212.
And we just received one today as well – signed by Amy Dae – Vice President of US Airlines. I travel so much that I know every airline and when things are bogus.
My husband got one of these in the mail and I called the number: 1-866-358-8422
They put me on hold right away for about 2 min and then when a human did pick up they just said their name, “Jason” and waited for me to speak. They asked me for a code at the bottom of the letter (one like you all described) and I just went on to tell him that this is crap and that they should not be sending letters like this out to people. Oh and by the way your phone number (the one above) have only been in service for about 1.5 years.
I also informed “Jason” that if I received another letter I will complain to the Better Business Bureau about their company.
Received the same letter in Washington state today, now Amy Dae is the VP, and the phone number is 1-866-296-0078
Just got my letter today! I can’t wait to call and mess with them. Mine came out of Phoenix AZ and is signed by Amy Dae. I wonder where they get their names and addresses? Why haven’t they been shut down?
Got our letter today from Amy Dae from Az. 1-866-296-1137
Received today in Washington, same type of letter.Ann Joy is now the vice president. phone #1-866-427-4862
Got the letter today in Pennsylvania with a “Continental US” logo. Signed by VP – Amy Dee. Hand written envelope. I hope someone shuts them down.
Received a letter today in Tennessee. States US Airlines, VP of Lexi Coy. Telephone number is 1-866-955-7989.
Got the letter from the USA Airlines, and a check of $1,199.00 was attached in the end of the letter like a real one. I could imagine if I deposit the check, something horrible happens in my bank account.