Description

This scam arrives in a yellow-orange envelope marked “PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL,” sent from a Washington, D.C. address. The envelope contains a rectangular plastic item and a letter stating the recipient is a “finalist” in a “VIKING RIVER CRUISE Plus First-Class Airfare For 2” giveaway. The letter is branded with a cruise ship image and “Giveaway!” in a maroon font. The enclosed plastic toy, referred to as a “VIN Gauge,” includes a pull tab. When pulled, it activates a light that illuminates a number. Below, the letter instructs the recipient to scratch off a circle. If the two numbers match, they’re declared a winner (they always match). Recipients are then urged to call a “gifting department” at a toll-free number within 48 hours and mention an offer code. Prizes include a Viking cruise, an Alaskan or Caribbean cruise, a 7-night resort stay, or airfare + a 2-night hotel getaway. A $100 Amazon gift card is also promised for confirming quickly. On the reverse side, the letter repeats prize info and states that recipients must call to compare their numbers and “make an appointment” to claim the reward. The legal fine print reveals: • The contest is run by a company named PVI, which is not affiliated with Viking Cruises or Amazon • Contest odds are extremely skewed (1:150,000 for the top prize, 149,999:150,000 for others) • Prizes will not be awarded over the phone • Recipients must attend an in-person appointment, strongly suggesting a sales pitch or timeshare presentation • The promotional period runs from August 18 to December 14 This campaign appears to be a bait-and-switch designed to lure people into high-pressure sales presentations, where they are likely to encounter fees (often in the hundreds of dollars), unclear timelines, and misleading prize claims.