800-813-6994

I received the I exact same offer with exception: Avis instead of Enterprise. No deal, Bucko!

I received this balloon flyer on 5/5/08 it has no return address:

Congratulations ...

To help you celebrate yor birthday next month we would like to give ou TWO COMPLIMENTARY ROUND TRIP AIRLINE TICKETS TO ANY MAJOR INTERNTIONAL AIRPORT ANYWHERE IN THE CONTINENTAL USA. To claim this special gift, simply call 1-800-813-6994 Flights Fill Quickly. First to Call, First to Fly.

Reservation # PB007

BONUS GIFT
Call within 48 hours to receive your choice of a 3 Day-2Night hotel stay to anywhere in the Continental US or a @500 Shopping Spree!

along with a US AIRWAYS check-in BORDING PASS 1 - on the back of the boarding pass, it says:

Travel Provider:
Global Holidays
1950 Old Gallows Rd
Tysons Corner, VA 22182

Certain restrictions may apply.
*This promotin is not sponsored by or affiliated with US Airways, they are a major supplier.

I received FORM 2008, presorted 1st class mail, with a note to the Postmaster saying please deliver between 5/5-5/8.  It looked like a tax form, so I opened it immediately.  Inside was a mock travel itinery and they used both the United logo and Avis logo.  I recently got screwed over by United, so I thought this was something for the cluster-fck I had to endure.  WRONG!  When I called the 1800-320-1703 number, the sales person informed me I was entitled to two-round trip tickets to anywhere in the US, along with a complimentary 7-day car rental... all I had to pay were the taxes and attend a 90-minute presentation.  When I asked if they had a website I could visit for more information, I was told that they didn't have one.  The sales lady tried hard to get me to book a slot to attend the presentation this weekend, I said I needed to check with my husband (she stressed we both needed to attend).  The sales person was very determined, kept telling me what a great deal this is... and when she finally got the point that I wasn't going to book a slot for the presentation until I checked first, she finally gave in, but then asked me to another 1800 number when I was ready to book - 1800-245-8814.  I checked this site first... it smelled fishy to me!

This is clearly a scam!!

Ok Gang, here is what I have found after two weeks of research, and being in contact a number of entities.

The postal markings for Permit Number 850, Daytona Beach, Florida:  That is a large mailing firm that has a large number of contracts, including at least one the travel industry.  There is no evidence that that firm has anything to do with the content or distribution list of the mail.   Of course, the bulk mail firm has little standing to inquire about, let alone interfere with the business practices of its clients.  The direct mail firm's principle service is wide distribution using its bulk rate permit, giving the clients a lower postage rate per mail piece.  The direct mail firm has been very cooperative in answering my questions and seems to have made a good faith effort to investigate my inquiries.   The firm has a favorable BBB rating,  no bad press, and no apparent history of complaints in any complaint forum I have been able to find.  My impression is that the direct mail firm is not aware of the controversey that surrounds the travel industry.  That firm put me in touch with the client responsible for my particular mail piece.

The client indicates that they are also a marketing/promotions firm that caters specifically to the travel industry.   The representative admits that there are some companies that are reputable in the industry, and some that are not.  The representative also admits that there are some reputable firms in the industry, while others are not.   This firm seems to also be based in Florida.  

As to the date of birth question, the client's representative states that only the birth month is known to the marketing firm.  Basically,  if they wish to run a promotion for participating clients in a geographic area,  the birth month on the intended distribution list is bounced against the timing of the promotion.  Those having an upcoming birthday in the promotional period get their advertisement in the form of a birthday card.   The birth month information is disclosed to the marketing firm at the time of purchase of the mailing list.   The promotional firm advises that persons who do not wish to receive mail pieces contact the Direct Marketing Association.  The firm says that their "leads list" comes from a firm that specializes in compiling and selling mailing lists, and that this firm "scrubs" its list against the list of those who have opted out with the Direct Marketing Association.

We still find it questionable that persons from a variety of geograhic areas post similair methodology and experiences having responded to the sales promotions.   The connection in the exact methods (90 minute presentation,  followed by professional "closers" trying to get you to sign a contract,  winner being responsible for fees amounting to or greater than the retail value of the "complementary" or "free" travel tickets) is not known by us at this time.   My wife have speculated a few theories that might make all of it make sense,  but since it is sheer speculation, we won't post it here.

We are still pursuing the matter aggressively from the front end of the process.  We are inquiring with entities that have known authority to have our dates of birth.  

The bottom line is that persons that receive these mailings should use extreme caution when considering a travel club contract.   Examine the terms of the contract in full detail, and make sure all oral promises made during the presentation and by the "closeres" are represented in writing on the contract.   If there is anything you don't understand fully from a legal standpoint,  don't sign, and check with a licensed attorney.   For a $5000+ price tag, plus annual membership dues that these organizations are getting for their contracts,  it is worth your while to get the advice of an attorney.   If the travel club is legitimate,  they won't have any problem with you obtaining professional advice to ensure that you understand each and every term.   It might seem a waste of time to speak to a contract attorney, but it costs you much more time and money to try to recover if you don't.  From what I see in the media coverage of the less reputable travel clubs,  it is very much worth your while to consult with an attorney.

I received a the same offer as my birthday gift offering two complimentary round trip airline tickets to any major international airport anywhere in the continental usa plus a bonus gift 3 day 2 night hotel stay anywhere in the continental us or a $500 shopping Spree. Letter had a US Airways logo and a boarding pass. To claim I simply need to call 1-800-813-6994 Global Holidays 1950 Old Gallows Rd, Tysons Corner, Va 22182. I called that number made appointment to go Tuesday
5-8 PM at Suite # 801. Then today thank GOD I decided to check it on google and found that is is fake offer. I am going to report to proper authorities and take action.

Yeah, I got a birthday card voucher good for w RT tickets anywhere in the Us plus 2 nights in a Hilton or Marriott anywhere, or a 500.00 shopping spree. To redeem what is most likely bogus, especially after I scanned all these previous blogs, I just had to attend a presentation with "GLobal Holidays" for 90 minutes at a place in Tyson's Corner Va. When I called the 800 number 800-813-6994, "Andre" asked for my phone no. when I said I'd have to think about it first. I didn't give it to him, but he gave me his cell, 386-585-2654, and a confirmation no. to use when I arrived. The Logo was of US Airways.

I got the exact Happy Birthday "my name" flyer in the mail today and the wording in the flyer is exactly the same as yours except the airline is from UNITED.

The company is
Global Holidays
1950 Old Gallows Rd
Tysons Corner, VA 22812

Never trust these kind of mails in the first place.

I am glad someone like you out there willing to go the extra miles to attempt to stop the scamer from taking advantage of innocent people. Hope you much success with your finding. I also received the same Happy Brithday flyer which I know is a fraud so I ignore it. But I was also curious if anyone out there receive the same thing so google on the web and sure enough I found this site.

Regards,

Got a notice that said congratulations Richard XXXX you have won two round trip tickets on any major international airport anywhere in continental USA just call 1-888-610-3692.  Appears to be Global Holidays on a different phone number.  Possibly their old one got over crowded by complaints.  The Fed. needs to shut these clowns down!

I received the same postcard on 05/28. Company address: 270 Carpenter Drive, suite 250, sandy Springs , GA 30328. It says:
----------------------------
All Major Airlines


Hallo and pack your bags! IN CELEBRATION OF OUR ANNIVERSARY, and as a result of this offer, your name and Ticketing Number have been identified and issued. You will receive at your request Two Roundtrip Airfares to Anywhere in the cont. U. S. Retail value up to $1400.00.
Call within 48 hours and you will also receive a four peice luggage set.
WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO CONTACT YOU!
(tHIS IS NOT A TIMESHARE OR LAND SALE OFFER)
TOLL FREE 1-877-210-2999
MONDAY-FRIDAY 9AM-11PM &SATURDAY 10 AM - 8PM (EST)
-------------------------
It has a confirmation number and also a sample itinerary is printed on left hand side. Thanks for all the comments. I was thinking it must be a scam and now I am sure :)

My husband just got the same postcard today (5/30).  In honor of his birthday, two complimentary RT airline tickets, blah, blah, blah.  Has a U.S. Airways logo on it.  Number to call is 1-866-930-3999 and travel provider is listed as the afore-mentioned Global Travel in Tysons Corner, VA.  Glad I googled this first to check it out...

Ok, I get from all the threads that this appears to be a scam, but has anyone actually attended one of the meetings to find out just what kind of a scam it is? There is no law against sending junk mail/spam, so reporting this to authorities as some of you have stated really won't do you any good since no crime has been committed. I called the number and a representative on the phone told me that if I agreed to show up to listen to a sales pitch from this travel agency, I would receive 2 free airline tickets plus a bonus gift. I thought I would go just to see if it was legitimate - like other deals my friends have been offered in the past. I fully expect them to try to sell me something, but I hope that I can still leave with the freebies after just giving them an hour of my listening time. So, has anyone actually attended the sales pitch??

Careful in going to the presentation.   It would be useful to have people post what they actually experience when they go to the presentation.  If they are true to form,  they will ask you to pay up front "fees" to collect your "free" travel tickets.  It would also be very interesting to know exactly with whom the proposed contract is.   Not that I'm telling you to waste your time, but I wouldn't sign the contract without checking them.   The tidbit I have been after to make the connections is who is the actual corporation.   I venture to say that it is a travel company out of Florida.   The parent company, whoever it is, may be the key to connecting the mailing with the subject of the Florida AG investigation. If it is indeed the same company, the Virginia AG would probably wish to know this.

We received the same message and obviously with the airlines in the situation they are in this is not true. In addition, we have not been on an US Airways flight in years-we have our own jet.

I looked up "1950 Old Gallows Rd" with zip code 22182 on whitepages.com.  I got 71 hits, but there was no Global Travel or Global anything among all those hits.  Yet more evidence that the whole thing is phony.

So Basically the Law told you a bunch of BS
Refused to do their job upholding the Law
and told You that you were on your own and must hire
an expensive attorney to try and Enforce the Laws
that the Police and other authorities should be enforcing
already for free, or with our Tax money.
Basically the cops and other similiar authorities are NOT doing
their JOBS! This seems to be an ongoing popular trend that I've
noticed. The LAW NOT DOING THEIR JOBS! Whats going on?

So I guess committing MAIL FRAUD is Okay since Law enforcement
does nothing anyway.

I got a very similar promotion in the mail today -- this one trying to look like it was from US Airways, with a fake "boarding pass" including a "frequent flyer nbr" (which is not my USAir Dividend Miles account number -- no big surprise there), an "e-ticket nbr," and a flight, all with the prefix "WINGS." On the back of the fake boarding pass is a disclaimer that "This promotion is not sponsored of affiliated with US Airways of Dollar Car Rental..." and an identification of the "Travel Provider:"
    Elite Escapes International, L.L.C.
    7477 West Lake Head Blvd.
    Suite 170
    Las Vegas, NV 89128
And the phone number to call to "claim this special gift" is 1-888-621-6821. (I'll post a report on 800Notes for that number and cross-reference the discussion on this one.)

Good luck to the original Charles (not myself) and others who are working to get to the bottom of these scams.

We got one too, on Sat 6/6, same thing.  I called up the number (866-930-3999) this morning.  Made a tentative appointment for Sat at the address Gallows RD, Vienna, Va.  (We live in Frederick, MD)

May go, or not.  If we do, I'll let you know what happened.  Inclined not to go, as you never get something for nothing.  Curiosity, though, is very strong.

If anyone goes before Sat, please let us know.

I'm reporting a piece of mail - that seems to match this thread though the phone number is different.  Same zipcode and permit# 850.  Mine says I have won 2 Round Trip Airline Tickets from Southwest Airlines with their logo, etc. And I get free luggage if respond within 72 hours... I know well enough how things work and know this is a scam.  

Well, a bunch of people in our area must have received the same letter and didn't pay attention to the instructions to call the number - because they showed up at the airport today with their fake boarding pass enclosed in this mailing at Southwest Airlines ticket counter and caused quite a stir! My husband works for Homeland Security at the airport and having discussed receiving this mailing, he was aware of what was going on and reported it and they had to do a briefing on it!