Now that you mention it, that happened to me too. When I bought a Marriott timeshare in 1996 the salesman asked if I had a Marriott Rewards card. I told him I remember having one many years back - perhaps mid 70's. He checked - found 50,000+ points sitting there and reactivated it for me with all the old points plus all the new ones for the purchase, and the old number. I don't know if that would have happened if I didn't buy the timeshare, but was pleased the points were reactivated - and also surprised I had that many. Times may have changed by now, however.