$200 Check from SPG Amex
Oct 6, 2014, 2:08 am
#31
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,220
If you took this check to a Chase/JPM bank, would they cash it if you do not have an account there? Until you know for sure it's 100% legit, I would hate to have my account and routing numbers get back to the originator if I cashed it at my own bank.
And I'm sure you have all looked all over your Amex account screens, and no mention of it anywhere?
I've always been leery of free lunches.
And I'm sure you have all looked all over your Amex account screens, and no mention of it anywhere?
I've always been leery of free lunches.
Oct 6, 2014, 9:26 am
#32
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: TUL
Programs: AA EXP 2MM; Marriott Titanium; Hilton Diamond; Hyatt Explorist; Vistana 5* Elite; Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 6,177
If you took this check to a Chase/JPM bank, would they cash it if you do not have an account there? Until you know for sure it's 100% legit, I would hate to have my account and routing numbers get back to the originator if I cashed it at my own bank.
And I'm sure you have all looked all over your Amex account screens, and no mention of it anywhere?
I've always been leery of free lunches.
And I'm sure you have all looked all over your Amex account screens, and no mention of it anywhere?
I've always been leery of free lunches.
Oct 6, 2014, 9:33 am
#33
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,220
I didn't get a check.
Oct 6, 2014, 11:40 am
#34
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: fort worth, texas
Posts: 946
Come on folks, use a little logic and put down the paranoia.
This is not some Nigerian-type scam! You really think some crooked outfit just happened by coincidence to send checks to people who have had a specific credit card (many times years ago) and reference that card as why they are getting the checks?
Or perhaps someone hacked into American Express's computer systems just to get a list, then went to all the trouble to come up with a reason and official looking checks. However, if all they wanted to do was steal bank account numbers by sending fake checks, wouldn't it be easier to just send generic "rebate" checks to anyone in America? After all, how official and detailed are most rebate checks you get back in the mail?
Not saying there isn't some hidden motive (e.g. class action/government fine concerns) or Amex didn't keep good records, but let's refrain from the idea that the checks are a potential scam and weren't authorized by Amex.
This is not some Nigerian-type scam! You really think some crooked outfit just happened by coincidence to send checks to people who have had a specific credit card (many times years ago) and reference that card as why they are getting the checks?
Or perhaps someone hacked into American Express's computer systems just to get a list, then went to all the trouble to come up with a reason and official looking checks. However, if all they wanted to do was steal bank account numbers by sending fake checks, wouldn't it be easier to just send generic "rebate" checks to anyone in America? After all, how official and detailed are most rebate checks you get back in the mail?
Not saying there isn't some hidden motive (e.g. class action/government fine concerns) or Amex didn't keep good records, but let's refrain from the idea that the checks are a potential scam and weren't authorized by Amex.
Oct 6, 2014, 12:00 pm
#35
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 52,570
Therefore, even if they did hose something up, why wouldn't they make good with a corrected deposit into the SPG accounts?
Why wouldn't they do an account-credit instead of a check?
Why would the check be drawn from a competitor bank?
Why would so many people get the same round amount (or multiple thereof)?
Why isn't there a thorough explanation of what happened? With infosec being such a hot topic, why wouldn't they more thoroughly explain the scope of the "error", if for no other reason than to reassure people than hackers don't have their information?
Not saying it's a scam, but I think it's reasonable to ask questions.
Has anyone phoned Amex directly, gone through the usual process of reaching a human agent, and asked about the check? I suppose that would at least kill off the paranoia about a scam...even if you still had questions as to why Amex is doing it this way.
Last edited by pinniped; Oct 6, 2014 at 12:18 pm
Oct 6, 2014, 12:12 pm
#36
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: AA 1M
Posts: 31,474
Who has deposited the check?
Oct 6, 2014, 4:32 pm
#37
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: PVD
Programs: AA-P, B6, DL, SW, SPG_M-P, AGR-S+
Posts: 289
Or perhaps someone hacked into American Express's computer systems just to get a list, then went to all the trouble to come up with a reason and official looking checks. However, if all they wanted to do was steal bank account numbers by sending fake checks, wouldn't it be easier to just send generic "rebate" checks to anyone in America? After all, how official and detailed are most rebate checks you get back in the mail?
Not saying there isn't some hidden motive (e.g. class action/government fine concerns) or Amex didn't keep good records, but let's refrain from the idea that the checks are a potential scam and weren't authorized by Amex.
Not saying there isn't some hidden motive (e.g. class action/government fine concerns) or Amex didn't keep good records, but let's refrain from the idea that the checks are a potential scam and weren't authorized by Amex.
Oct 6, 2014, 4:34 pm
#38
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA EP, UA Gold-MM, UA 1K (former), GS (former),SPG LT Platinum, Hyatt Diamond, HH Diamond
Posts: 2,299
Yes if the check is written from their bank they can look into the account and see if the funds exist and if so then cash it for you. The recipient doesn't need an account at the issuing bank.
Oct 6, 2014, 5:29 pm
#39
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: BUF
Programs: SPG Plt, HHonors Gold, UA Gold, PC Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 880
Oct 7, 2014, 12:38 pm
#40
Join Date: Feb 2009
Programs: Marriott Titanium, AC E50, National Exec
Posts: 516
It's a relatively small amount so it's not as much of a worry but in general fraudulent checks can still be reversed after the holding/posting period.
It's more of an issue with say a $10K check, you spend the whole amount and then it comes back as fraudulent 20 days later. Now you're on the hook to repay the bank.
It's more of an issue with say a $10K check, you spend the whole amount and then it comes back as fraudulent 20 days later. Now you're on the hook to repay the bank.
Oct 7, 2014, 12:52 pm
#41
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: South Florida USA
Programs: DL-MM/FC/FO AA-EXP/MM Starwood-Platinum Marriott-Platinum Hilton-Gold Hyatt-Diamond
Posts: 1,515
TW
Oct 7, 2014, 1:57 pm
#42
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Lost in Space
Programs: MR Plat, AA EXP, Hertz Presidents Club, SPG Plat
Posts: 170
I have not gotten a check. But would be happy if I did get one. I have been an SPG cardholder for the last 8 years.
Oct 8, 2014, 5:04 pm
#43
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 65
i received a $200 check yesterday related to my starwood biz account i opened and closed back in 2010/11. I know i received all my bonus points when I opened the card and met the min spend as I track all of that stuff. Kudos to Amex for doing this
Oct 18, 2014, 10:27 am
#44
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 131
I also just received a $400 and have no idea…..It also said, “reimbursement for the value of Starwood Starpoints that we were unable to apply to your account at the time you earned them.”
Depositing it now
Depositing it now
Oct 18, 2014, 11:55 am
#45
Join Date: Jun 2011
Programs: SPG Platinum, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 1,134