Here is a blue postcard that I received sometime back (click on the image to enlarge it):
And it came from this “Awards Verification Center” address:
Obviously, all the big words - “NEW MERCEDES, BMW, PORSCHE or $40,000 CASH” are sure indicators of a scam. But generally stupid scammers, who promise big rewards, choose email as their preferred way of communicating to me that some Nigerian prince wants to give me $10,000,000 for free (I mean, in return for my bank account information). This postcard however, is the first piece of *scam* that I have received through regular email.
To find out about who these generous scammers are, I checked up the address on Better Business Bureau (BBB) and it turned up three entries on Silverleaf Resorts - a timeshare company. Here is what BBB says under “customer experience” for this company:
Based on BBB files, this company has a satisfactory record with the Bureau. A satisfactory record means a company has been in business for at least 12 months, and properly addressed matters referred by the Bureau. The company does not have an unusual volume of complaints, or any government actions involving its marketplace conduct. The Bureau understands and has no concerns about the company’s products, services and type of business.
OK, so what I first thought was a *scam* actually has a *satisfactory* rating at BBB ! So basically, it’s not a scam - it’s an authentic timeshare company indulging in some “scam-like” behavior (?!) (I am assuming that real scams wouldn’t care about solving customer complaints to get a satisfactory rating). On a related note, I have heard that most timeshare companies show similar traits on the issue of misleading marketing, and in that sense all of them are tending towards scams, but let me not crowd too many topics in one post - feel free to discuss this in the comments.
Fortunately, for the company under discussion, there are some negatives mentioned on the BBB website - without which it would have been impossible to understand the veracity (or rather, the lack of it) of the shady promotional postcard.
Our file experience shows that this company has been the subject of complaints alleging misleading or high pressure selling tactics or dissatisfaction with the free award received at sales presentations.
And later it says:
If you have received an award letter from this company, it does not mean that you have won a contest. You will receive a free gift if you attend the sales presentation, but the chances that you will receive a major prize such as a car or cash are very slim. Most consumers receive the ten one-day holiday package, which allows use of resort facilities during the daytime only. Overnight accommodations and transportation are not included.
However, I am still having trouble understanding how a company with some definitely false claims (I don’t think they have ever given anyone $40,000 cash or Mercedes or a BMW X5) makes a “satisfactory” rating in BBB. A satisfactory rating reflects the fact that a reasonable number of complaints lodged against the company have been resolved (as seen in the BBB report). May be I should try and lodge a complaint against them on BBB under advertising issues, and see what *reasonable offer* the timeshare company sends my way to settle the issue - with so many complaints resolved, I am sure it must be something convincing - or should I say… lucrative. 
Fun fact: Not all timeshare companies are scams. 
Here is some detailed information about how timeshare companies operate and how the to identify the ones that are scams - in that, don’t miss this entertaining part “There have been reported cases in which a free boat that was offered as a prize turned out to be a toy boat.
I wonder if the blue post card was talking about toy Mercedes M-class and BMW X5 cars… I like free diecast vehicles.
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I’m actually surprised that companies still use those tactics where they make you think you won something big. It’s like those letters you get where the address window shows that the inside has a check made out to you in the amount of $50,000. I would have thought by now just about everyone throw those away yet I still get them from time to time. I guess these companies are still getting unsuspecting people.
I actually got the same mail and saw almost immediately the problem with their whole ’scam’. The second sentence made it clear to me that they were full of… spit.
“We have been unable to contact you…”
Then how did they get my mailing address? Stupid. Bad marketer. No cookie for you.
Danny and GeekMan: Yeah - don’t know where they get the money to maintain this stupid company. They have like 10 toll free numbers, some staff and a prepaid account with USPS.
GeekMan - you know, most scammers are stupid salesmen
~ I mean there always HAS to be some outrageous fact that gives them away and you can see through the shady stuff easily; don’t know what’s with that. 
I got the same postcard. Rule number one: If it sounds too good to be true, it will most likely cost you money in the long run. Trash it. Don’t waste your time.
BBB gives a satisfactory rating because, incredibly, it survives by selling “memberships” to companies, which it then ostensibly “polices.” Of course I’m sure only the most ethical businesses join, so this seeming conflict of interest really isn’t.
I live pretty close to that address!
This is horrible, I wonder how many people actually fall for it though and think its their big break, lol.
We have recived a letter not a post card with a real check attched to it for 1,750.00… I have so far only heard of the post card and nothing about a check and letter… if anyone knows anything about this please let me know……..
“I would have thought by now just about everyone throw those away….”
Unfortunately, Danny, a new crop of mental midgets graduates from high school every year and joins the ranks of those who can spot a scam. As a high school teacher I can assure you that the supply of marks will never run out and scammers will live on happily.
I received the Silverleaf “you have won” letter yesterday. After a quick Google I knew exactly what it was since I had actually suckered for visiting their Canyon Lake Texas property a few years ago. Their pitch claimed golf as one of their amenities, yea, putt-putt golf. When I told them that was a deal breaker they brought over their heavy weight closer who within minutes just said “Get him outta here”. They did give me a voucher for a Vegas vacation but it was so restricted I never used it. Fool me once !!!!
How the hell these guys get hands on my name and address. I just moved to here in TX (3 months), and dont have a home phone yet (not listed in any directory).
How can they get all these info so quick and from where ?
Ok so I WAS planning on diving out to the canyon lake resort tomorrow morning, skipping church and being late for my neice and nephews birthday party, but after reading all of this information I have decided not to attend the tour. I was actually hoping that this was a legit way to bring in customers and not a scam for fooling people…I was acutally promised a minimum of $500 cash or a greater prize…Thank You!
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