BBB Warns Of Fake, Free Plane Tickets

February 17, 2013

Consumers nationwide, including the Escambia County area, are receiving letters stating that they have won two round-trip tickets courtesy of American Airlines or US Airlines with a retail value of up to $1,298. US Airlines is not a real company, and this letter is not from the real American Airlines, according to the BBB of Northwest Florida.

Recipients of the letter are encouraged to call a provided number and then invited to attend a presentation. Upon arrival at the presentation, attendees discover the meeting is not hosted by American Airlines or US Airlines, but a travel package agency.

Documents acquired by BBB indicate the Daytona, Florida firm behind this promotion has numerous complaints filed against them with the Better Business Bureau.

The BBB offers the following tips for purchasing a travel package:

  • Find out exactly what the package contains in terms of transportation and accommodations and for how many people
  • How much money must be given as a deposit, if the deposit is refundable, and how much is later required.
  • Get the name of the hotel, personally confirm all reservations, and get written verification.
  • Before you decide to accept this type of offer do comparative shopping with a local travel agency before making your final decision. Companies that offer this type of service in Florida are required to be registered with the Sellers of Travel Act at 800-435-7352.
  • Do not be pressured by any company to give an immediate decision or to give your cash, check, or credit card number until you are satisfied



Comments

11 Responses to “BBB Warns Of Fake, Free Plane Tickets”

  1. Jennette on February 20th, 2013 8:50 pm

    Got one too! Don’t understand how they got my mailing address!

  2. Randy on February 19th, 2013 4:43 pm

    1. Received my letter today and I filed it in the appropriate container, the trash can…

  3. grandjoy on February 19th, 2013 10:14 am

    We got this one too…yes, it went in the shredder. Thanks for reporting ,so many people get hooked. Great job William!

  4. Jane on February 19th, 2013 5:02 am

    Notify the BBB and call the fraud unit at the ESCO…436-9701 or 436-9679. The only way to put a stop to this is by reporting them!

  5. DJS on February 18th, 2013 12:17 pm

    Received two of the letters in the mail…..didn’t hesitate throwing them in the trash! A lot of trees could be saved if companies would stop sending out junk mail.

  6. 429SCJ on February 18th, 2013 11:52 am

    I get calls from people all the time attempting to scam me, emails too.

    I like to start reminiscing about the good old days and the next thing I
    know, click and a dial tone.

    I guess some things are just difficult to discuss, with some people.

  7. Larry Walker on February 18th, 2013 8:53 am

    I got one, from “American Airways,” not American Airlines. And for exactly $1,298. If you get one, toss it.

  8. Gerri on February 17th, 2013 6:51 pm

    I received one of these letters last week. Googled the signature, Jane Roy, Vice President, and found all sorts of complaints against this company. Anything that is ‘too good to be true’ is just that, not true!

  9. paul on February 17th, 2013 2:55 pm

    I got one :) .. It went straight to the trash can..

  10. Mom on February 17th, 2013 11:29 am

    When will people realize nothing is free, especially when they havent registered for any prize. This is why things like this are happening, because the public falls for it. Same goes for giving out ss numbers and bank acct numbers over the phone. Dont do it!

  11. Jane on February 17th, 2013 5:53 am

    This goes along with the travel agency that calls and says you won a free trip…which is on a nonexistent Airline/Cruise ship. I have gotten several of these calls, even though I am the “donotcall list”. Always check out the source and don’t give out any information until you do. Call the fraud unit at the sheriff’s department….@436-9701 or 436-9679.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News