WARNING to Hawaii Residents! I just received this postcard today stating I've won a complimentary trip for two to Las Vegas, sponsored by "Fly A US Airlines". It sounded too good to be true. They stated: "We have been trying to contact you! (This is not a timeshare or land sale offer)." Hmm. First, I have an unlisted number and address. Second, anybody who has to explain the offer is not a timeshare or land sale has something to hide. Third, nobody offers free trips out of the clear blue sky; there is ALWAYS a catch. The postcard came from West Palm Beach, Florida with no return address.
The most hilarious thing was the following fine print in the lower left corner: "Certain restrictions apply. Call for details of participation. (Particpate in WHAT?!) Taxes and reservation fees are the responsibility of the recipient. (So it's not "complimentary" after all, eh?) Offer void where prohibited by law. (Which should be in all 50 States and U.S. territories) Not applicable to Alaska or Hawaii." LOL! I live in Hawaii and I'm being offered a "complimentary" trip that isn't applicable to me? Don't these people check their address database before sending out their mail? Guess not.
I did some research online and discovered this company has done the same ploy, only they use a photo of an airplane on the postcard offering a free trip, along with the logo for Southwest Airlines. Other people reported similar postcards using logos from the other major airlines. Apparently the company got into legal problems from the airlines for using their logos without permission, so now they use the Las Vegas sign with the promise of a free trip for two plus "3 Day 2 Night Hotel Stay." If you call the number, most likely you will find out this is an expensive travel club that will pressure you to join them before you will ever see those free tickets to Vegas. You will have to pay taxes and fees on top of that. Other people claim it is a timeshare presentation. You call the number, pay a "processing fee" and when you arrive at your destination, you are given the hard sell to get you to purchase a timeshare.
Here is what CT Consumer Protection reported in Connecticut:
“We are concerned that these promotions could lure consumers into believing that they are going to receive a free trip and hotel stay with no strings attached, when apparently, that is not the case at all,” Rubenstein said.
“The fine print on the cards indicates that “certain restrictions apply,” and according to complaints from consumers in other states where these promotions have run, the conditions often become clear when it’s too late to change one’s mind.”
One promotional postcard received by a Connecticut consumer last week featured the Southwest name, logo and an airplane photo, and advised the recipient that they were selected to receive two Southwest tickets and a “BONUS 3 DAY, 2 NIGHT HOTEL STAY.” The card directed the recipient to a toll-free number for more information. Upon calling, the recipient was told they had reached Berkshire Concepts, a new travel agency in the area. The caller was then offered airline tickets on Delta or Southwest for two people, valid for one year, and a bonus hotel stay.
However, in order to “qualify,” the caller was required to answer questions about their income, marital status and age, and was told they must attend a 90 minute presentation at a hotel location in Windsor, Connecticut, at selected times this week or next at the Hyatt Summerfield Suites in Windsor. Consumers in other states who have attended similarly-promoted presentations report that they encountered hard-sell tactics encouraging them to join a travel club costing thousands of dollars, and that if and when they finally received their air travel voucher, they learned that they had to pay taxes and fees of $100 per person or more. In addition, many travel dates were blocked, and travel “restrictions” included a requirement to fly out on a Monday or Tuesday and return that Thursday.
The Department also learned of similar cards being received in Connecticut featuring the Delta name, and offering a similar deal and instructions, including attending a presentation at selected times this week or next at the same hotel in Windsor. “We have confirmed that Southwest and Delta airlines are not affiliated whatsoever with these offers,” Rubenstein said. “We are alerting consumers that these offers require careful scrutiny and consideration.” The Department of Consumer Protection urges any consumer who has received a promotional air travel postcard and is thinking about attending an informational presentation to be wary and avoid signing up for a travel club they do not want or cannot afford. “As always, if a deal seems too good to be true, it’s usually not true,” Commissioner Rubenstein said."
For complete article, see: http://ctwatchdog.com/finance/free-air-travel-getaways-postcards-dont-believe-it
Enough said. Hawaii residents, DO NOT CALL THE NUMBER ON THE POSTCARD. Throw it away, unless you want to spend a lot of money on an expensive Travel Club membership or timeshare before you get your "*COMPLIMENTARY*" Trip to Vegas. Worse, you'll have to attend a 2-hour "presentation" (probably in Waikiki) which is nothing but a high-pressure sales pitch. Ever been to one of these so-called "seminars" held in a hotel ballroom or conference room? Often the doors are locked and if you attempt to leave or even use the restroom, these goons will follow you out, making sure you return. They won't let you go until you've signed on the dotted line. Not worth the time, money or trouble.
The old adage holds true: "If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably isn't."
