Miscellaneous SCAMs...and how to avoid them!

Below are images of the remainder of the letter. I’ve included the text below each image in case you’re viewing this on a small screen.

 # 1  “US Airlines” is not the same as the (now merged airline) “USAir”. “US Airlines” is not the name of any particular airline, it is simply a generic term for all airlines in the U.S. However, you should not be surprised to find that none of them would honor this ‘voucher’. (return to # 1 Red Flag above)

 # 2  Do you have any record of any phone calls from this company? Do you have any text messages? Have you received any other letters? What is their problem? (return to # 2 Red Flag above)

 # 3  The ‘standard’ “act immediately” scheme. This company doesn’t waste any time in their SCAM pitch! Only two short paragraphs into the pitch and they’ve already used two standard SCAM practices: 1: Warn that you have but one chance to respond. 2: Create a sense of urgency, have a very short timeframe for responding, discourage the ability to do any investigating! (return to # 3 Red Flag above)

 # 4  The ‘redeem’ date is over three and a half years after my aunt died. This is simply an indication that this company is using a mailing list to send these SCAM letters to us. This also makes me sincerely doubt any claims they make about how often they might have been trying to contact me or any of the promises they make. (return to # 4 Red Flag above)

 # 5  Notice that this “voucher” is not payable to you; it’s payable to “US Airlines.” Perhaps you thought that “US Airlines” was the actual name of a familiar airline? You would not be the first to make that mistake, in fact, that is exactly what this company would have you think. That’s one of the attributes of any SCAM; fool the person into thinking one thing when something completely different is actually said.

Also note that this is not an actual check. However, it is designed to look like one. It even comes packaged in a way to prevent anyone from seeing what’s inside... just like most checks sent through the mail. Again, an attempt to “look” like something it is not. It even has the usual bank routing numbers printed along the bottom of the “check”! If you are still not convinced this is not a real check, just turn it over and read what is printed in large letters on the back; “THIS IS NOT A CHECK”. So why did they go to so much trouble to make it look like one? Only one reason; they want us to think it is a check. Then you will call the phone number and they will then not only have your mailing address but your phone number. If you call, you can also expect to be asked for other information such as your birthdate, a credit card number and maybe even your Social Security number! That information is so valuable that it more than pays for any work they did in order to fool us into thinking this is a check. PLEASE, just do not call! (return to # 5 Red Flag above)

 # 6  There are actually, several red flags in these “Qualifications” and “Additional Details”. Here is a list of questions that need answers: When will you learn if you meet these “Qualifications”? What are the “min. income requirements?” I have no idea what a “specific relationship status group” is! “Couples must attend together”? Does this mean a single person cannot join this travel group? How many of you always carry around two forms of identification? (return to # 6 Red Flag above)

Bottom line: You had better make sure you have answers to all these questions and meet all the qualifications and details before you show up for what ever travel deal this SCAM will offer. And will they take a check for the “applicable taxes and fees?” Showing up without knowing that or having enough cash could easily result in your not being able to make the trip plus having no refund!

Frankly, my best advice is to throw this SCAM into the trash. At least search the Internet for mentions of “Travel Union.” You’ll find many reports on this company and the people they have hurt financially.