Imagine getting a glossy postcard that claims you’ve won a Mercedes, BMW, Porsche or $40,000 cash, and urges you to call a toll‑free number within days. This is a classic prize‑win scam tied to timeshare pitches, often sent under names like Awards Verification Center or AVC Travel. The lure is the high‑value reward, but the real goal is to collect personal data, push a costly presentation, or charge fees. Never share income details, and don’t travel for a “prize.” Verify the sender, block the number, report to the FTC or local consumer‑protection agency, and shred the mail.
I got a letter in the mail, it said i had to go somwhere, so i went there and took a BMW home, thats alot of fun
Further investigation online confirmed my suspicions that the letter from AVC Travel was indeed a fraudulent claim, as I had not participated in any contest.
Upon receiving a letter, I discovered that the company has multiple contact numbers, including 1-888-435-9129, and an address at 6321 Blvd. 26, Suite 450 North Richland Hills, TX 76180, which seemed suspicious to me, especially since I'd just turned 18 and knew this was likely a scam.
The number 800-239-8863 claimed I had won a prize in a contest I had never heard of or entered, raising suspicions of a scam
Repeated calls have been received from 'account verification services'.
Similarly, I too received a notice from AVC claiming I'm a prize winner, eligible for a Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, or $40,000 in cash, which seems like a grandiose lie; I'm not opposed to timeshare presentations, but I disagree with such misrepresentations.
The thought of owning a Benz M-Class, BMX X5 or Porsche Cayenne, all valued at $49k, is apeling, but I'm skeptical of this junk mail, and I dont think they will ever see my face, they are just trying to scam me, BEWARE!!!!
After receiving a card in the mail about an INSTANT GOLD GIVEWAY, which was suspected to be a scam, I sought information online before disposing of it, appreciative of the warnings posted by others.
The discovery of numerous complaints about AVC Travel in Arlington is disturbing, suggesting a need for regulatory action against this firm.
The experience was similar when a package arrived, prompting a call that led to a request for an in-person meeting and income disclosure, which seemed excessive.
I recived the exact same letter and check as another user, which is quite suspicious.
I've received a notification stating I've won one of several prizes, including luxury vehicles or a substantial cash award, which seems highly suspicious.
I received a suspect letter claiming I'd won a significant prize, including a car or cash, which seems like a potential scam
Recieved a notice about an award, lookes like a check for $1,295.00, but the text at the bottom seems suspicous, posible scam
Today i recieved this postcard: "We have been trying to reach you regarding you major prizewinner status! You have WON one of the four guaranteed prizes: a new MERCEDES BENZ M-Class, BMW X5, PORSCHE Cayenne or $40,000 CASH, a $1,500 Shopping Spree, Exotic Island Adventure, $806 value or $500 Cash. You have three days to call us toll free at the number above to arrange to pick up your prize. You are guarenteed to recieve your prize immediatly, in accordance with your confirmation letter. This your FINAL NOTICE!"
A blue postcard arrived claiming I had won a prize, referencing a confirmation letter I never received.
It's great to have a platform like this to discuss scam experiences; I recently received a mailer from these individuals and plan to report them without hesitation.
Receiving a postcard stating attempts to contact, followed by a call announcing a prize win, but with the condition of visiting a timeshare resort, seemed questionable and potentially a scam.
Receiving this in the mail as well, it's clear this is not just a scam but outright fraud. Reporting such incidents to the state Attorney General's office for false and deceptive advertising would be appropriate, if time permitted.
It's been identified as a scam by reputable sources, including Clark Howard, who has warned about SILVERleaf RESORTS,INC., and their tactics involving timesharing and awards verification, making it crucial to be informed about such scams.