Since when are there PIN codes for 1016 vouchers?

The channels you've contacted are the only options I'm aware of.

Call and ask for the Fraud Desk -- you may or may not get connect but raising the issue of a comprised account might help.

Question -- have you done multiple searches using those 1016 codes in the past. Vaguely remember a posting / thread relating the code will become invalid if used for >X searches, even if never redeemed.

I got an e-certificate with Promotion code...
 

And Pin code...to be used on the Payment page when you book online.

PIN code = 1016 code
PROMO code = xxUADL where xx = year

interesting info WineCountryUA -- if anyone knows of/can find that thread can you please post a link?

Or you can use the terminology that's actually on united.com rather than inventing a new set. The 1016 number is entered in the Offer code field of the search. PINs are only associated with TCVA.

The best certs to acquire are the TCV certs with a PIN, as they do not reduce the base fare and count towards PQDs. The old UA ecerts reduce the base fare and are one use only and can not be refunded.

Unless you don't care about PQDs, in which case the 1016 ecerts are definitely better. A 1016 e-cert is typically worth about 10-12% more than face value because it also reduces taxes.

i've paid $0 for reservations using a TCVA, so those apply to taxes.

I'm going to do something I don't often do and defend UA... I've redeemed many ecerts with UA and never had a problem... I'd assume your experience - horrible and frustrating as it is - is not the norm

As have I so imho, TCVA type e-certs are a better deal

They apply, but they never reduce the taxes. A $200 base fare ticket will still cost you $30 with a $200 TCVA, but it will cost $5 with a $200 e-cert (the $5 being unavoidable government fees).

I'll trade same-value TCVA for e-certs any day (and have happily - for both sides - done so since the introduction of PQD).

PQD's aside, If I have a $250 "016" e-cert and want to use it on a $250 all in fare with say a base fare of $200, I pay the $50 in taxes but if I have a $250 "TCVA" e-cert on the same fare, I pay zero as the TCVA applies against all taxes (or so it has for me) so afaic, the less I pay out of my own pocket the better

That's about as smart as putting a $20 bill in a vending machine that doesn't return change. If you choose to misuse an e-cert in that way, you are certainly welcome to, and you get what you deserve. I prefer to use them intelligently, which always results in greater value than an equivalent TCVA.

First-if you're going to quote my scenario, quote the entire scenario as I was referring to out of pocket spend and nothing else. Second-you failed to notice the word "if" in my scenario [n.b. scenario] as I never said I used a 016 e-cert in that manner. Third-lose the attack attitude :rolleyes:

OTOH, if you have an ~$270 all in fare, with base fare of $250, applying a $250 016 cert will result in paying only the 9/11 fee of $2.50 per segment, whereas the TCVA will result in ~$20 out of pocket.

Both certs have their benefits and drawbacks and should be used accordingly.