I agree. From the details the OP is describing, it doesn't really sound like a scam. Instead, it sounds like the OP received some dubious marketing materials, and that there were catches in the fine print that perhaps the OP failed to read.

Just like that "free companion ticket" which some people consider a scam, and which TBH is fairly deceptive advertising, but which complaining about probably won't achieve anything because UA and Chase probably covered their asses in the fine print if people read it.

The fact that this is a total third party (Travel America) makes it even less likely that UA would care. However, the only reason I think twice, is because in my previous experience with Travel America I have found their business practices to be shady at best, i.e., they offer "risk-free trials" in which you can actually lose a few hundred dollars, give "free gifts" that you don't get until you complete the trial period, and often "forget" to cancel your membership the first couple of times you ask to cancel. That sort of thing.