Originally Posted by
FlyingHighlander
Is there real risk to buyers of one time passes from the black market? I figured, possibly wrongly, that it is only sellers of them that get into trouble with UA if caught.
The seller is at greatest risk (especially under the hypothesis that UA has corporate security on the "buyer's" side of the transaction as a "sting") but under the MP rules being on either side of the transaction is no bueno and may result in penalties if suspected/caught:
The sale, barter or other transfer or attempted sale, barter or other transfer of any mileage, certificates, PlusPoints, awards, benefits or status, other than as authorized and/or sponsored by United, is expressly prohibited. Any mileage, certificates, PlusPoints, awards, benefits or status sold, bartered or otherwise transferred is in violation of the Rules and any accounts or Members involved in such sales, barters or other transfers may be subject to United’s Remedies. The acquisition, use, transfer or attempted acquisition, use or transfer of mileage, certificates, PlusPoints, awards, benefits or status that have been acquired by purchase, barter or other transfer in violation of the Rules may result in United’s exercise of United’s Remedies.
(all emphasis mine)