FRENCH LICK — A sophisticated new mail scam is targeting Indiana residents by exploiting the name of one of the state’s most iconic landmarks. Officials at Crane Credit Union are sounding the alarm after numerous reports of fraudulent letters appearing in local mailboxes, designed to look like official correspondence from the French Lick Resort.
The scam letters claim the recipient has been “chosen” to receive a complimentary vacation package, typically including:
- A multi-day hotel stay for two adults and two children.
- Up to $150 in “spending money.”
- A retail value estimated between $550 and $750.
The letters instruct recipients to call a specific phone number to “activate” their prize. However, authorities warn that this is a phishing trap designed to harvest sensitive financial data.
How the Scam Works
According to Crane Credit Union and consumer protection reports, callers who dial the number are connected to a fraudulent “travel department.” The operators—who are not affiliated with the resort—will ask for a credit or debit card number under the guise of covering “incidentals,” “service fees,” or a “refundable deposit.”
In many cases, the scammers use this information to make unauthorized purchases or sell the data on the dark web. In other variations of the scam, the “free” trip is used as bait to lure victims into high-pressure sales presentations for illegal or unregulated vacation clubs.
The French Lick Resort has officially confirmed it is not sending these letters and has no affiliation with the “giveaway.” Resort officials recommend that any guest who is unsure about an offer should contact their official reservation line directly at 888-936-9360.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) notes that these “Golden Ticket” style scams often resurface during the spring and summer travel seasons. They advise residents to watch for these red flags:
- High Pressure: Demands for immediate action or payment to “hold” a prize.
- Vague Details: Offers that don’t list specific dates or blackout periods in writing.
- Upfront Fees: Any “free” prize that requires a credit card to claim is almost certainly a scam.
Safety Checklist for Residents
| Do | Don’t |
| Call the resort directly using a verified number from their website. | Never provide your SSN or PIN over the phone to an unsolicited caller. |
| Discard the letter or report it to the BBB Scam Tracker. | Don’t call the number listed in the letter just to “check it out.” |
| Monitor your bank accounts if you have already interacted with the scam. | Don’t trust logos. Scammers can easily replicate official branding. |
