3. If it’s a prize, consider if any contests were entered. If recipients did not enter any vacation contest but the mailer includes phrases like “Congratulations” or “You’re a Winner,” it’s unlikely to be legitimate.
4. Be on guard for third-party senders. Some credit cards and other consumer loyalty programs will give away free offers from other companies. If the mailer received is sent by the consumer’s credit card company or another group, Scambook recommends that the consumer call their company at a number obtained from the company’s website instead of the mailer.
5. Never respond to a mailer that requests a wire transfer or prepaid credit card as payment. This is always a sign of a scam.
Consider this recent case involving an Idaho woman as reported by The Idaho Statesman newspaper:
“The letter I received in the mail certainly appears to be a scam. It has the word ‘American’ t the top with a logo and says I can claim free airline vouchers if I call the toll-free number provided. I’m tempted to call, especially considering how expensive plane tickets have become. Is it worth the call?”
This deceptive marketing program is under the guise of a prize giveaway from Sue Long, vice president for American. The letter has the heading “American,” but no contact information and no return address.
“I am pleased to inform you that you have qualified for an award of 2 round trip airline tickets,” the letter starts. The text then moves into putting a value, use and restrictive clause on the tickets, before concluding “This is our last attempt.”
The company emphasizes the need to call immediately to reserve the ticket vouchers or they’ll be passed along to an alternate recipient.
So, to save you and others the hassle, Better Business Bureau called 866-365-xxxx. The person answered without identifying the company, but immediately wanted to set up an appointment to attend a meeting at a later date.
Last summer and again in the late fall, BBB uncovered a series of letters with similar statements of prizes. BBB says it has called the “airline ticket scheme.” It’s one of those you just wish were true. Technically, it isn’t a “scam” because it isn’t illegal, but it’s a scheme you don’t want to get involved in.
You’re going to have to attend seminars, provide personal information and suffer high pressure sales tactics to get the vouchers. These companies are very good at knowing the law and walking a very fine line to what language is legal versus what language is ethical. People who have attended the meetings and gone through the laborious, multi-step process to “earn” the vouchers, report there are so many restrictions, the vouchers are nearly useless.
Bottom line: Save time and frustration by shredding the letter and understanding there are no free airline tickets.
