PCCW Slows Down Wireless Broadband Rollout

TravelZoo Still Willing To Pay For Gimmick Shares

from the odd dept

Wed, Nov 24th 2004 11:27am — Mike Masnick

Earlier this year we noted that many, many people appeared to have completely forgotten that they had signed up with TravelZoo during the bubble. Travelzoo's initial gimmick to get users is that they gave you free shares in the company for signing up. It appeared that most people assumed, like so many bubble-era gimmicks, that the company behind it simply faded away. However, the company survived, and the stock actually has done quite well. The only problem was that those who owned shares were supposed to make a claim by April. However, after that news came out, some people got upset that they missed the deadline and (amazingly) Travelzoo decided to honor those requests, saying they would pay out in cash what the shares were worth... and yet still most people have completely ignored the offer, which can be worth somewhere between $500 to $1600 for an awful lot of people.

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103 Comments

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Alex Moskalyuk, 24 Nov 2004 @ 1:19pm

I was a shareholder
I was a shareholder till a week ago. As a subscriber to their newsletter and referrer of 3 subscribers, I got 8 shares when they distributed them. For a while it was worth like $4, so I mainly ignored, but when I read a TheStreet.com editorial on TZOO rise, I requested my certificate, when the stock passed $65 and sold at $82. Bummer, I know, it hit $100 recently, I am still puzzled about their stock growth, but free money is free money.
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- mark, 13 Nov 2008 @ 9:31am
  
  Re: I was a shareholder
  so to whom and how do i contact the person in order for me to claim my shares? thanks.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
mickster, 24 Nov 2004 @ 2:05pm

I was a shareholder too until a month ago...
I had signed up in 1998. I signed up for the updated share info and got 3 shares. It split to six shares. I sold it for $71.50. I then shot up to over 105 and came back to the 80's last i saw.

It was nice to get $410 for nothing more than signing up for a web site. I've never even used the product. But-they do have great earnings and profit from-gasp-internet advertising.

The reason for the run-up was due to the small number of shares available to trade. A lot of people sold this stock short before their last quarter earnings. Shares needed to be purchased to cover the short positions. Due to the high demand for so little available stock to cover those positions, the price went at a premium. Since most short sellers are now covered, the stock is coming back down to earth. The average share was held for less than a day during the peak of trading.

There are 2 reasons for the lack of shares. 1) The CEO owns about 80% I think, of all shares. 2) There are, by my best guess, a lot of people like me, with a handful of shares, that are just sitting idle and unclaimed.

The extension mentioned is for those who did not sign up for their updated stockholder information. I had to send in some share forms, opened a Sharebuilder account and sold the stocks for $15 commision. It cost me about $40 out of pocket with overnight fees and trips to the bank, but it was worth the effort.

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- C, 14 Jan 2005 @ 3:27pm
  
  Re: I was a shareholder too until a month ago...
  How did you get a hold of your free stock?
  Travelzoo doesn't make it easy.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Jack Venable, 10 Aug 2007 @ 11:50am
    
    Re: Re: I was a shareholder too until a month ago.
    I would sure like to know how to go about checking on free shares issued to me when Travelzoo first started out ..
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- e, 15 Sep 2018 @ 10:05am
  
  Re: I was a shareholder too until a month ago...
  how did you get a hold of Travelzoo
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Steve Shushkovsky, 18 Jan 2005 @ 2:24pm

Travelzoo free shares
Mike,
I was one of those who subscribed for Travelzoo's newsletter and received three free shares of the company.
By now I have lost information on the account, and since I changed email address I stopped receiving their newsletter as well.
The company's web site suggests in lieu of account number that I enter email address I was registered under... but then says "unknown email address".
Their contact list does not have a phone number or email address. I wrote them a letter but not sure they will make good on the promise (they can say "we don't have any information").
Is there a way for me to recover my shares or whatever they are worth now?
I will highly appreciate any advice you can give.
Thank you,
--- Steve
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- Marge, 19 Mar 2005 @ 1:04pm
  
  Re: Travelzoo free shares
  I just ran across some of my old papers and found my Travelzoo info. I too had forgotten about signing up for shares, and have also changed email addresses. I don't know anything about owning shares but am willing to learn. Did you ever find out how to go about getting (and redeeming?) your shares? Any info would be appreciated.
  
  Thanks a lot!
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Amy, 15 Aug 2015 @ 1:04pm
  
  Re: Travelzoo free shares
  Hi, Mike.
  
  Hopefully, I can help you and all the others here wondering about those free TravelZoo shares.
  
  I have been thinking about the shares in TravelZoo I earned for free when they were starting for years, assuming it was nothing. Recently, I saw an ad for them on TV and wondered whatever happened to those shares. So, I searched the gov website in the state I lived in when I signed up and found that they had unclaimed property for me from TravelZoo. Shocker! All I know is it's more than $50 but, since I lost my job 4 months ago without any jobs in my profession in my area, free money is good money.
  
  Good Luck!
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Eliza, 16 Dec 2017 @ 6:30pm
    
    Re: Re: Travelzoo free shares
    Received the surprise of my life when I went to missingmoney.com to file a claim for unclaimed property. It was for Travelzoo's Unsurrenderned Shares. It was way more than what I would have expected.
    I would suggest everyone check it out... Especially if you signed up for the free shares.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
    - Jami, 26 Jan 2018 @ 11:07am
      
      Re: Re: Re: Travelzoo free shares
      How did you get the mone? I found I was owed through my states unclaimed property website, but Computershare/Travelzoo can't find me anywhere in their system.
      [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Edie, 29 Mar 2019 @ 11:23am
    
    Re: Re: Travelzoo free shares
    I just found a email for July 29, 1998 I have 3 share of Travelzoo I am wondering is this is still good? My company that I worked for at the time was bought out in 1999 and I lost my job in 2000.. so I no longer that the same email.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Margie Franklin, 12 Feb 2006 @ 6:50pm

Shares of Stock in Travelzoo
I am supposed to have 8 shares of Travelzoo stock. How can I find out what they are worth?

Thanks.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Jennifer, 16 May 2006 @ 12:48pm

Free Travelzoo Stock
I took advantage of the free Travelzoo stock years ago. I sent the offer to a few of my friends, asking them to use my email as a referral, and next thing I knew, I had my 10 shares, even though they were essentially worthless at the time. I didn't lose hope. I kept check on the website and the status of the stock, updated info as needed, and registered when asked to. The stock finally went public and has even split since then, leaving me with 20 shares of stock that were, at one time, worth $100 each.

Not a bad return on an investment of only time and patience.

If there are ever any more free stock offerings, I will be the first in line. It is quite amusing to read the skeptical stories that you can still find on the internet from 1998 when the offer was made. I figured I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. This time I was right.
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- Shirley Tseng, 6 Mar 2007 @ 9:50am
  
  Re: Free Travelzoo Stock
  A new company that will be coming out soon is giving out free stock! Here's the link:
  
  http://www.emax.net/?rid=22845e746cea4a0b64
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Brian Bauder, 25 Jul 2006 @ 2:56pm

Unclaimed Travelzoo Free Stocks
I also still have the serial numbers of the 3 free shares from back in 1998. I've written TravelZoo a letter (seems the only way to contact them) but haven't heard back. Has anyone got any recent info on this?
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- Sharlene Frintz, 4 Jul 2009 @ 5:17pm
  
  Re: Unclaimed Travelzoo Free Stocks
  Are my travelzoo stocks still good. Here are the numbers #2797560 #2797661 #2797562 as of July 9,1998. As of Sept.9,2002 my acct # is 279756. After the split I have 8 shares. Are these still valid.
  
  Sharlene Frintz 309-266-6608
  3o5 N Third
  Morton,IL 61550
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - j McDonald, 13 May 2013 @ 12:44pm
    
    Re: Re: Unclaimed Travelzoo Free Stocks
    I have stk also what did you find out
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Michelle Blythe, 18 Dec 2006 @ 12:22pm

shares
I recently found my three free share numbers that I recieved in 1998. I am having trouble accessing any information on these. Is there any hope? I would love some insight on this. I have since then changed my e-mail address and moved out of the state I was living in at the time.
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Rich, 13 Mar 2007 @ 3:10pm

TravelZoo
I have 16 shares of the stock from signing up and signing up others under me. I am holding onto them
I don't think travel zoo is going to fail.

You did have to convert your free shares into real shares a couple years back. I did and requested the stock certificates.

hopefully they will grow and the stocks will split and continue to do well.
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Kouros, 15 Mar 2007 @ 9:53am

TravelZoo
I also signed up for the email way back when to get the free shares. The email address that I had signed up was no longer valid, but I follow up on their instructions to get my shares issued to me. If you provided your correct personal information in the first place when you signed up for the email, you would not have a problem providing identity info to get the shares. I sold my shares in the mid 70's to make something over $400 - which of course I had to pay taxes on. You can follow links from TravelZoo.com to their Investor Relations section to get more details. They direct you to http://www.corporate.travelzoo.com/2002/ for "Program for Previous Stockholders Who Missed Deadline". Hope this is helpful.
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Linda Baxter, 17 Mar 2007 @ 5:09pm

Travelzoo free shares
I got the free travelzoo shares back in 1998 and do not have the same email address and am having a hard time finding the papers that were printed out with proof of shares.. does anyone know how to resolve this problem? I cant even remember half of my old email addresses... It's not fair that they put a expiration date on it.
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Sheri D, 23 Aug 2007 @ 8:52pm

eMax
What do you know about the eMax free stock sign up? Seems to be something similar to Travel Zoo....
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Curtis Gilmore, 9 Nov 2007 @ 10:13am

Free Shares from Travelzoo
Is the certificate conversion required, and is it still going on? Are my shares still on record with you? CG
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Jack Venable, 12 Nov 2007 @ 7:51pm

Travelzoo free shares
I received free shares when Travelzoo started up ..I believe there were four I wonder if their redemption offer still stands ? Would you mind informing me of the status on the shares ..I would greatly appreciate it ...
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Dongyue Liu, 2 Dec 2007 @ 1:25am

free shares
I got a number of shares..forgot exact how many. My email has changed. Can I still get the shares or cash in somehow? Please let me know. Thanks.
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Sharon Engle, 14 Apr 2008 @ 9:46am

travelzoo stock
I signed up for free stocks back in 1998 when I worked for MCI . I have changed emails several times & need to know how to find out how much stock I have what they are worth and what I can do with them now.

Thanks,
Sharon
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- Joanne C., 28 Dec 2008 @ 8:30pm
  
  Re: travelzoo stock
  Hi, did you ever find out how much they are worth?, and if we can still cash them in. Please let me know if you did as I have been trying to contact someone about my shares. Thanks.
  
  Joanne
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Joanne C., 28 Dec 2008 @ 8:28pm

shares
I also have 6 shares that I singed up for in 1998, and I have my member id and password but no papers any longer. I have tried seveal time to contact Travel Zoo but they make it really difficult. Can we still collect the shares even though the date was April, and if it was April why wasn't I notified of the date to cash in shares.
I think I am going to write to the company.
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Joanne C., 28 Dec 2008 @ 8:28pm

shares
I also have 6 shares that I singed up for in 1998, and I have my member id and password but no papers any longer. I have tried seveal time to contact Travel Zoo but they make it really difficult. Can we still collect the shares even though the date was April, and if it was April why wasn't I notified of the date to cash in shares.
I think I am going to write to the company.
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arabela anya, 17 Feb 2009 @ 7:09pm

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___________________________________________________________
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real estate
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Frederica Nelson, 16 Jun 2010 @ 8:54am

Are my stocks still valid
How do I find out. This is 2010, and I just noticed the article. I have the acct number.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Frederica Nelson, 16 Jun 2010 @ 8:55am

Are my stocks still valid
How do I find out? This is 2010, and I just noticed the article. I have the acct number.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Gene, 15 Jul 2010 @ 1:06pm

Link to redeem shares
http://corporate.travelzoo.com/ir/faqs/#22

link to redeeming shares
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Tammy Elefson, 9 Nov 2010 @ 11:07pm

Travel Zoo Stocks free Bee
Trying to find out information about the value of my 6 shares of Booking Stocks. Am I out of luck because I did not get the information like many others?
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- Anonymous Coward, 6 Dec 2010 @ 9:51am
  
  Re: Travel Zoo Stocks free Bee
  http://corporate.travelzoo.com/2002/
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Kenneth F Gamon, 26 Apr 2011 @ 8:19am
    
    Re: Re: Travel Zoo Stocks free Bee
    When the offer for free stock was announced, I signed up. How do I claim the stock now?
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Bev, 23 Apr 2011 @ 10:51am

Travelzoo - Just got my check
After reading this thread, I filled out the forms and mailed them. It took several weeks, but I just got my check in the mail for my shares!
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Ron, 25 Apr 2011 @ 3:02pm
  
  Re: Travelzoo - Just got my check
  I've been holding six shares since the initial offering and heard that since then they have split and was wondering how many shares I have now.
  Thanks,
  Ron
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Susan, 28 May 2011 @ 5:11pm
  
  Re: Travelzoo - Just got my check
  Bev -
  
  Good for you! Have you had the same email address or did you have the stock cert. numbers?
  
  I have been struggling to figure out what my email address was when I signed up for the free shares. I am just going to take an estimated guess, fill out the papers, send them in and cross my fingers.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Sharon Sirkis, 27 Feb 2012 @ 11:51am
  
  Re: Travelzoo - Just got my check
  Hi. I originally got three shares of Travelzoo stock back in 1998. Can you point me in the right direction as to what forms you filled out. Would you mind emailing me? Thank you so much for your help.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
john p (profile), 26 Sep 2011 @ 8:19pm

Travelzoo
I just got my check for my 1998 shares. I had the original email from then with all the info. I received a check today for $720..... from an email 13 years ago.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Calvin C, 3 Oct 2011 @ 8:59pm
  
  Re: Travelzoo
  I have the same E-mail from Travel Zoo 13 years ago . Can you tell me how you went about getting it ? Addresses , phone ect? Appreciate any help! Cal
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Brian Betts, 6 Jun 2012 @ 1:59pm

Shares
I filled out the form and sent in my share numbers but its been several months with no response. Does anyone know how to follow up these claims?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
J. Chicago, 30 Aug 2012 @ 7:51am

Travelzoo - letter from Computershare c/o Georgeson
I just received a letter with a Trabelzoo logo. The letter offers to voluntarily "sell all your shares" or offers to allow you to "purchase additional shares" up to 100. Does anyone know about this? I have 14 shares from 1998.
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- J. Chicago (profile), 30 Aug 2012 @ 8:15am
  
  Re: Travelzoo - letter from Computershare c/o Georgeson
  Sorry for the typo on Travelzoo. I should add that I have used their travel offerings and have been very pleasantly surprised. I never would have found these deals otherwise.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - EM, 31 Aug 2012 @ 7:57am
    
    Re: Re: Travelzoo - letter from Computershare c/o Georgeson
    I got the same offer from computershare / georgeson
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Todd.Los Angeles, 31 Aug 2012 @ 2:31pm

Re: Travelzoo - letter from Computershare c/o Georgeson
Yep, I too just received this letter from Computershare. Is this a scam or what? I know I signed up with Travelzoo a long time ago and have used their services, but I had no clue or were ever aware that I received their free stocks when I signed up years ago. I have 6 Travelzoo's stocks.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Sue, 4 Sep 2012 @ 6:08am
  
  Re: Re: Travelzoo - letter from Computershare c/o Georgeson
  Yes, I received the same letter. Is it a scam? I really hate the idea of putting my social security # on a form. I do remember many years ago signing up with them, but never used their service other then getting 6 stocks from them.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Skip, 31 Aug 2012 @ 3:00pm

Re: Travelzoo - letter from Computershare c/o Georgeson
I too received the same letter. If you received the letter, you had a number to call. 1-800-632-6352. Too bad this letter didn't come in April of 2011. The stock price was at 100.00 a share. Have no clue what drove up the price then, but they say history repeats itself. Either way, don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Mark, 6 Sep 2012 @ 2:06pm

Travelzoo stock certificate
Got the latest offer, and looked up the stock history. Wasn't thrilled with the latest offer, the commission overhead seems excessive, and the per-share offer they give ($30) outright gouging! Current share price is $23!!!

Found that you can have them send you the certificate directly, so that you can use your own broker - only downside is you need to get a medallion signature (which our bank does with no fuss) -
https://corporate.travelzoo.com/ir/services/certificate/Form.asp
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Dan, 21 Sep 2012 @ 11:52am

Travelzoo Buyback through Georgeson
Mark - I think you are misreading the letter - they are not offering you to buy shares at $30 when the price is $23. They are saying to send $30/share that you want to buy (because they don't know the actual market price that they will execute your Buy Order with, but assume it won't be more than $30/share). Then they'll execute the Buy at the then-current share price and will reimburse you the difference ($30 minus whatever they bought the new shares at, times the number of shares). They are trying to make it easy for you to buy shares - not gouging you.

The 3% fee to sell your shares, assuming you have 6 or 10 shares like most of the people they're sending these letters to, will amount to a max of a $7.50 fee - not bad.

In all it looks like a fair offer, especially considering that most people got these shares for adding their email address to a mailing list (and then being taken off the mailing list as soon as they received their shares).

Time for me to cash in on the 1 minute that it took me to obtain 10 shares of TZOO for free. I expect to get about $230 for them. Annualized, $230/minute is $28,704,000 - not a bad rate of pay, even for just a minute.
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- DJ, 20 Oct 2012 @ 11:22am
  
  Re: Travelzoo Buyback through Georgeson
  Dan, it's not 3% per share, it's actually a "processing fee" of $3 per share. That's a big ripoff, considering the shares sell for $16 or so, that's a "processing fee" of almost 20% per share. Ugh.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - TTorres64, 21 Oct 2012 @ 12:12pm
    
    Re: Re: Travelzoo Buyback through Georgeson
    I just got the reminder letter and I don't recall a first letter I only have 6 shares so guess I could make about $85. What happens if I don't do anything? Do I lose my shares?
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
    - shay, 1 Nov 2012 @ 3:40am
      
      Re: Re: Re: Travelzoo Buyback through Georgeson
      I just realized the form had to be returned by tomorrow. Oops. What happens to my shares now?
      [ link to this | view in chronology ]
      - Sara, 31 Dec 2013 @ 1:38pm
        
        Re: Re: Travelzoo Buyback of free stock from 1998
        I just got an e-mail saying they were selling my stocks whether I want to or not. Here's a copy. I have no clue wiath a reverse/forward stock split is, but I think I'm going to give up and take the money. I think today's stock price is 21 and some cents, and I am going to hold on sending to see if the price goes up or down in the interim.
        
        Travelzoo shareholders approved a reverse/forward stock split transaction consisting of a 1-for-25 reverse stock split of Travelzoo's outstanding common stock, followed immediately by a 25-for-1 forward stock split. As a result of the reverse/forward split, shareholders who held fewer than 25 shares of Travelzoo common stock immediately prior to the execution of the reverse/forward stock split have had their shares converted into the right to receive a cash payment. A description of the terms and conditions of the reverse/forward split was set forth in Travelzoo's definitive Proxy Statement for the 2013 annual shareholders meeting filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on July 25, 2013.
        
        To better process this payment, we respectfully request that you complete a W-9 tax-payer form found here.The IRS requires proceeds from such transactions to be reported on a form 1099-B, Proceeds From Broker and Barter Exchange Transactions. In order to comply with this responsibility, we need your taxpayer identification number. If we do not receive your taxpayer ID prior to our payment to you, we will be required to deduct backup withholding from the payment at the rate specified by the IRS, which is currently 28%.
        
        In order to avoid backup withholding, please print and complete a Form W-9 found here and return to our transfer agent, Computershare:
        
        Computershare Tax Operations
        P.O. Box 43078
        Providence RI 02940-3078
        
        Please ensure that "Travelzoo" is added under the Company Name field on the printed Form W-9 to allow Computershare to accurately update your records with your tax information. If you do not know your "Holder Account Number" you can leave blank.This completed W-9 information must be returned to Computershare no later than 30 days from the date of this letter in order to ensure we consider it for the appropriate tax withholding treatment before a check is sent to you.
        
        End of e-mail
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Bill Pennington, 28 May 2014 @ 4:16pm
  
  Re: Travelzoo Buyback through Georgeson
  Old email was 52penni@ionet.net
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Bill Pennington, 28 May 2014 @ 4:25pm
    
    Re: Re: Travelzoo Buyback through Georgeson
    Just wondering abought my stock. From years ago I here some were paid for it. Please reply.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Barbara, 19 Oct 2012 @ 8:29am

They can't find my stock
I did not get the letter, as my email and address etc have changed over the years. I have no documentaion of those shares anymore, lost it in the move. I called the number my friend got on her letter (she got her stock because of me) and they can't find me in their system. They gave me a number to call for Travel Zoo and they cant find me either. Basically said tough luck, no $ for you.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Gary Hazeltine, 28 Jan 2013 @ 9:12pm
  
  Re: They can't find my stock
  Barbara or anyone that can help; Does anyone have a phone# for Travelzoo investor relations or anyone that you dealt with regarding selling your shares? Would greatly appreciate anyone that could help. Regards; Gary Hazeltine
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Anonymous Coward, 3 Dec 2012 @ 4:29am

travelzoo stock
My e-mail address was ahoward@computerland.net when I received an e-mail letter on July 29, 1998 from Ralph Bartel, CEO & President, travelzoo.com which listed the 3 Shares that I got
Share # 8944480
Share # 8944481
Share # 8944482

Please let me know the status of these stocks. Thank you
A Howard
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Michelle, 3 Feb 2013 @ 1:06pm

Taxes?
I responded to the letter and sold my 6 shares. I am a complete dummy when it comes to stock; I signed up for these years ago simply because they were free. Do I need to put this sale somewhere on my tax return? Will Computershare or Georgeson be sending me any kind of tax statement? If so, it should arrive any day now, but I'm not sure if I'm waiting on something that is never going to come.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Rosanne, 12 Feb 2013 @ 12:29pm
  
  Re: Taxes?
  Just got a statement from Georgeson today. I am also wondering about how to declare since they were free.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Mike, 13 Feb 2013 @ 4:18pm
    
    Re: Re: Taxes?
    You would need to declare them on your tax return. Basically your profit would be Sell Price - Cost Price - Commission.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
wayne cartwright, 6 Feb 2013 @ 11:51am

how do i cash these in and were
I just ran across some of my old papers and found my Travelzoo info. I too had forgotten about signing up for shares, and have also changed email addresses. I don't know anything about owning shares but am willing to learn. Did you ever find out how to go about getting (and redeeming?) your shares? Any info would be appreciated.
any help will be a help
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
B Just, 28 Jun 2013 @ 4:48am

What to do?
Is it too late to sell them or get $ for them? I have 3 shares from all those years ago and have no idea which way to go or where. I don't know where my original email is as I don't have that address anymore.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
francis, 28 Jan 2014 @ 5:28pm

travelzoo free stocks
i have done all of the contacting required. i was told on 11-11-13 that the payment would arrive in 4-6 weeks. i called today 1-28-14, 11 weeks later, and computershare who is handling their reverse/forward(?) payment says that they have no info from travelzoo as to what to do. their computer replies to my questions, before i spoke to a telephone answerer, kind of accepted my input by letting me go on but said it did not recognize my answers. i have received computershare receipts showing my holdings, account numbers and recognizing my SS number as my tax ID. i have sent the forms they asked for. the person i spoke to seemed to be giving me answers their legal department had instructed, which was that she knows nothing. i did not ask for responsible person this time but i will call again next week. i asked her if she could tell me what the stock was currently valued and she said she could not give me that info. in the first minute of my call with the computer the value WAS given to me. after asking her another time and then telling her that the computer had already given me the value she confirmed the value. the entire phone call was very mysterious - like their hide someting - like a deadline that will allow them to not make the payout.
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Barbara Mann, 9 Feb 2014 @ 12:36pm

Free shares from Travelzoo
Back in 1998, I signed up for 3 shares of stock from Travelzoo, my pin code #69672 and the shares number are 9489910, 9489911, 9489912 and have never heard anything about the shares and now I would like to sell them. Maybe you can help me on this subject. I hope you can help to find out about these shares that I have. Will be waiting to hear from Travelzoo about these shares.
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Anonymous Coward, 10 Feb 2014 @ 5:12pm

I received a letter from Travelzoo regarding a reverse/forward split. Enclosed was a check for $122 and some change. They bought me out, I guess. Had eight shares that I signed up for in 1998. They also gave me a discount code for their services in the future.

Free money, thanks Travelzoo!
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Gail in Canada, 19 Feb 2014 @ 9:38am

Received a Cheque
Hi, I received a cheque as well...I think mine was $172 US, I have yet to try and deposit but I will hope for the best!
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Confused, 20 Feb 2014 @ 5:02pm

reporting to IRS
must not have completed the w9 on time because we received a check with taxes taken out, no other paper. How do I report this on my tax return. Its seems like all the information that I need is not on the receipt of this check. If I do report it what category is it reported under?
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jlw, 22 Feb 2014 @ 9:24am

TravelZoo
I believe the proper papers should come for next years taxes and probably won't need to be reported this year.
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Anonymous Coward, 23 Feb 2014 @ 10:25pm

Does Trvelzoo have the right to sell my shares without my permission?
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- Me too, 2 Mar 2014 @ 3:44pm
  
  Response to: Anonymous Coward on Feb 23rd, 2014 @ 10:25pm
  My husband said the same thing when I showed him the check I received.
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Kenn (profile), 9 Nov 2014 @ 9:23am

Travel Zoo - Email I used TWELVE YEARS AGO
My wife and I also signed up for shares and never followed up. Now I hear that the government has some dividends in the form of abandoned property, but in order to get these funds I will need to verify ownership and that appears to be by use of the original email address, which I absolutely do not know. It does not appear to be any way to reach the company and there appears to be no way to verify identity by way of SSN or other method. Any ideas?
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- Alan, 10 Nov 2014 @ 9:13am
  
  Re: Travel Zoo - Email I used TWELVE YEARS AGO
  Look under your state's unclaimed property. I found mine just now. I don't know how many shares I have, but am going to get the form filled out this afternoon.
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  - kenn, 10 Nov 2014 @ 8:00pm
    
    Re: Re: Travel Zoo - Email I used TWELVE YEARS AGO
    The state requires proof of being entitled to the property, which is why I appear to need the old email account.
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- Cynthia, 11 Nov 2014 @ 6:48am
  
  Re: Travel Zoo - Email I used TWELVE YEARS AGO
  I have the same problem as you. Let me know if you find out an answer
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Anonymous Coward, 29 Nov 2014 @ 6:10am

How do I make a claim? I must have thrown out the original shares that they sent me. Someone mentioned a list of e-mails. How could I check for my name? I know I had a different e-mail address way back then.
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Kenn, 29 Nov 2014 @ 9:28am

Travel Zoo - Email I used TWELVE YEARS AGO
yeah - we are all in the same boat with not knowing legacy email accounts. if anyone figures it out - please let everyone know.
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Dennis, 30 Nov 2014 @ 6:43pm

I still have the original email from travelzoo. Any idea what I need to do to cash in
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Darren, 1 Dec 2014 @ 7:50pm

Check you name on unclaimed money in your state. if you didn't claim your shares they sent the money to your state where it is sitting until you claim it.
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- Nancy, 29 Dec 2014 @ 12:28pm
  
  Money claimed from state....
  Darren,
  My sister alerted me that she spotted my name on the unclaimed property list with our state. I filed my claim for it. I received a check over the weekend for $185 referencing TravelZoo. I had no memory of it until I found this thread. Now I recall signing up. Thanks for refreshing my memory.
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Chris, 19 Jan 2015 @ 12:54pm

Free shares of stock
I like others on this forum have signed up for the 3 free shares of stock in an email, I guess back in 1998. I was thinking it was some kind ofn a gimmick and what did I have to lose. You know how the internet is, if it sounds to good to be true, it usually is. I don't even remember hearing back from them after I signed up.

Well it must of been for real because I just recently received a check from Travelzoo for about $100. I called them up and the lady said that they sold my shares of stock and closed up my account. Hell, I didn't even know I had an account. I asked her, why did they sell these shares of stock I supposedly owned? She told me that their policy has changed as to how many shares of stock you must have to stay with the company.

I didn't try to cash the check yet because I wasn't sure if it is a scam or not. But by reading the other posts on here, I guess it's legit.

Now I'm wondering. What do I have to do for taxes on this next year?

Oh yeah I also received a W-9 tax form asking for my social security number. This is why I thought it was some kind of a scam because and they also want me to send it back to Computershare at a P.O. box # in Texas.

The lady I talked also said she will send me more info in the mail. So, I'm not going to cash this check or give out any kind of information until I receive it.

Has anyone else on here had this happen to them recently?
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Karen, 14 Apr 2015 @ 1:47pm

Travel Zoo shares
I had forgotten all about Travel Zoo. But I do check my state's unclaimed monies site. I did that about a month ago, and have gotten the forms sent. Now just waiting.
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jerry simmons, 28 May 2015 @ 3:11am

travelzoo stock
as far as I can tell Kiss them BYE BYE
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jerry simmons, 28 May 2015 @ 3:17am

travel zoo shares
ok email me where to send forms to and I will wait and see what happens
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Tom, 26 Feb 2016 @ 5:17pm

money owed
Was bored recently and decided to check my former states(PA) unclaimed property website. Found that they have over $100 for me from Travelzoo, and under $100 for my wife. They only say over/under $100 there so no idea how much it is until I get a response back from them. Hopefully some others come across this and check their state to see. Every penny helps these days, Good Luck!
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Sandra Reinders, 21 May 2016 @ 3:55pm

Original shares
My late husband owned shares, after he passed away I was clearing up the Estate and asked Tavelzoo to please change to my name as I am ?Executrix, widow and sole heir. I sent all documents required and was told sorry too bad we sold your shares with the recent stock split. I then received in the mail a cheque payable to my late husband not his Estate. Travelzoo were well aware he was deceased. I feel the company should do the right thing and reissue his shares in my name. We were not even offered the opportunity to purchase more shares to meet the requirement. We were the original shareholders and had faith in this new company, yet they chose to turn their back on us...not sure if I would want to be associated with or do business with a company with this type of business practices!
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Nancy Lunn, 4 Nov 2016 @ 8:29am

liquidation
How do I liquidate my Travel Zoo stocks???!!!
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Sheree Victorian, 14 Mar 2017 @ 4:28pm

Travelzoo initial share signer
I have moved since I signed up for these shares, I don't know how to connect or contact Travel Zoo to cash out the shares they never contacted me.
If you have information to connect with the company please send me that information.
Thank you

Sheree Victorian
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- Anonymous Coward, 22 Mar 2017 @ 4:01pm
  
  Re: Travelzoo initial share signer
  I found mine cleaning out storage this week. I wonder what to do now!
  
  It's only 9$ ish.
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Stephanie Autry, 28 Jun 2017 @ 12:22pm

Travelzoo stocks
Quite a few years back I signed up for free 100 shares of Travelzoo shares. So far I haven't heard any acknowledgements to that transaction?
Please advise
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junie, 27 Nov 2017 @ 11:57pm

travelzoo
I got my check from looking in my states unclaimed money site. I filed online and just provided my ss number, email and new name and address. it only took 12 days. I thought this company went under and forgot all about and today I search the Internet to find info on this to refresh my memory. I did sign up for free shares in 1998 but don't have any paperwork anymore. thanks for free money, it makes my day.
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Barbars l Bailey, 15 May 2018 @ 1:43pm

I have some stock
Would like to be brought up to date. If my stock is good I would like to sell it
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Isabel, 23 May 2018 @ 3:32pm

Travelzoo free shares
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Rita Gerking, 17 Aug 2018 @ 1:38pm

Travelzoo shares
I have an email from March 25, 2000 regarding a Stock Split addressed to Shareholders. How do I find out about this stock?
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Edith Venesevich, 15 Sep 2018 @ 10:02am

How do I found out about
I was cleaning out some old paper work and found email's concerning shareholder's meeting from 1998. How do I found out if this is still good. I have moved since 1998 and I am sure nothing was forward to me about the stock that I have.
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Barbara Lewis, 20 Sep 2018 @ 12:04pm

I have three free shares that I would like to redeem, I did not know there was a time limit. Please redeem. I have the share numbers in front of me and can supply them.

Barbara Lewis

1-510-670-1719
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Dave Hesse, 6 Mar 2019 @ 5:49am

Check your state's unclaimed property
I ended up getting my funds through Maryland's unclaimed property ($186.26). I had no idea what money they were holding. When I received my check it was identified as coming from TravelZoo. I had totally forgotten about the shares, but TravelZoo kept their word.
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- Anonymous Coward, 10 Jul 2019 @ 4:47pm
  
  Re: Check your state's unclaimed property
  Hi Dave - I am in the process of going through Washington's unclaimed property site and they just came back to me saying I need a notarized Travelzoo.com affidavit. Did you have to get one of these and if so, how did you get it? Thanks so much. Jen Andrews
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Deborah Klein (Pietropaoli), 9 Sep 2019 @ 10:06am

Travelzoo Shares
On July 22, 1998 I received 4 shares and than split 2 ways =8 shares. I am interested in selling them. How do I go about the process.
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Heidi, 2 Mar 2020 @ 10:12am

Travelzoo initial stock offering
On July 1, 1998 I received 7 shares of Travelzoo stock. I have the share numbers and the original email. Since my email address changed at some point, I never received any further info.

How do I go about re-registering these shares or selling them? Can you help?

Thank you,
Heidi
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