Beware of Fake French Lick Resort Vacation Offer

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Residents in Indiana and surrounding states have been receiving letters claiming they've won a free vacation to the French Lick Resort. However, the letters are part of a larger scam, as the phone number listed goes to a fraudulent 'travel department' that asks for credit card information for 'incidentals.' The French Lick Resort has confirmed this is a scam, and the Better Business Bureau warns it is an illegal Ponzi scheme operating in multiple states.

Why it matters

This scam targets people's desire for free or discounted travel, taking advantage of them financially. It highlights the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any unsolicited vacation offers, as falling for such scams can lead to significant financial losses.

The details

The scam letter claims recipients have been 'chosen' for a complimentary 3-day, 2-night stay at the French Lick Resort for two adults and two children, along with $150 in spending money. However, when recipients call the number provided, they are connected to a 'travel department' that asks for their credit card information for 'incidentals.' This is where the scam occurs, as the company is not affiliated with the French Lick Resort and is instead operating an illegal Ponzi scheme.

• The scam letters tend to start appearing in mailboxes around the spring and summer travel season.

What’s next

If residents receive this scam letter, they should not call the provided phone number. Instead, they can either discard the letter or report it to the Better Business Bureau. Residents can also contact the French Lick Resort directly at 888-936-9360 to confirm the offer is fraudulent.