Travel vouchers mailed from fake company could be a scam

Have you received any mail marked “US Airlines Award Notification”?

The Better Business Bureau said a company called Access Travel Deals is sending mail with thisnotation that includes vouchers for round-trip airline tickets to anywhere in the continental U.S.

Access Travel Deals (www.accesstraveldeals.com) appears to have ties to a Scottsdale, Arizona business called American Travel Deals, which has an “F” rating with BBB,the lowest rating possible.

BBB officials said the mailings have the capacity to mislead the public, using a company name similar to US Airways.

There is no such company called U.S. Airlines.

The mailings have no return address and typically are marked “Final Notice” and “Personal and Confidential” on the outside.

The mailings include vouchers valued at $1,450, which closely resemble checks.They note that each voucher “must be redeemed for travel certificate and has no cash value.”

The only other identifying information on the mailers is Travel Union, Scottsdale, Arizona.

Customer service for Access Travel Deals said that the travel voucher could be redeemed during a meeting with company sales representatives at a St. Charles, Missouri hotel.

Appointments were available the weekend of Feb. 28 or during another period beginning on March 13. The customer service representative said proof of identification and a credit card would be required to attend.

BBB in Phoenix, Arizona, noted that Selected Vacations, US Airlines and Travel Union are alternate
names for American Travel Deals.

BBB has recorded 65 complaints against the business. That number excludes dozens of reports to BBB that are considered informational.

BBB made several attempts to contact the company, but received no replies.

BBB offers the following tips when receiving unsolicited mail offers:

1). Make sure you know exactly who sent the mailing. If you can’t identify the business or individual, you probably should not give them your business.

2).If the mailing includes an offer for a gift, make sure you understand exactly what will be expected of you to get the gift.

3). Do not be pressured into doing business with a company.

4). Do not enter into any agreement without understanding it completely.

5). Ask a company for references and contact them before doing business.

6). If you make any payment, pay by credit card whenever possible in case you need to challenge the charge.

7). Research any company thoroughly before doing business. Check a BBB Business Review at www.bbb.org or by calling 314-645-3300.