Buy AA Gold (OW Ruby) status for $650US - targeted email?

[Glider_]

I received a curious email today from AAdvantage. They're offering Gold status for $650 because I'm 'so close' to reaching it, even though I've only ever credited 2 sectors to AA in my life. Nowhere near the apparent 30 segments required for Gold normally.

Looking at their benefits table,( American Airlines AAdvantage Elite Status Benefits) AA Gold = Oneworld Ruby, the lowest (?) tier. I think for me this offer isn't going to represent value for money despite not holding any decent status with any other airline, since 99% of my travel is on award redemption tickets in J. The only thing that I can see that would be to my advantage is the complimentary AA Reward processing fee but the fine print says that's only the extra fee for bookings within 21 days of departure, which would be a rarity for me and certainly not more than $650 in one year.

Is there some amazing benefit I've overlooked that isn't already provided by J service?

And did anyone/everyone else receive this offer?

Boost to Gold status for only $649​

We're approaching the end of the year, and because you're so close to reaching AAdvantage Gold status for the 2015 membership year, we want to offer you an opportunity to step up to the next level. Act now, and we'll boost you to AAdvantage Gold for only $649. As an AAdvantage Gold member, you'll enjoy exceptional benefits including upgrades, free checked bags and much more. Once you purchase this boost, you can start enjoying your new status and benefits within only five business days. Your status will be valid through February 2016.

 

[opusman]

I'd say the email was sent in error and you wouldn't actually be able to do this anyway; see Buy Up To AAdvantage Elite Status For 2015 - One Mile at a Time.

You would need at least 15 segments to qualify.

 

[ejd711]

I also received an email to 'buy' my status back.

I have had platinum status this year but aren't going to get back to it - in fact I'm falling a little short of gold too!

'Your Platinum status is set to expire on February 28, 2015, and based on your 2014 flight activity, you're on track to no longer hold elite status for the 2015 membership year.

We want you to continue enjoying the exceptional benefits of elite status in 2015, so we're offering you an opportunity to secure Platinum for only $1,199 or Gold for $649'.

Email appears to be spot on in terms of where my earning is at so I thought it was legit? Interesting...

 

[DC3]

There's some more information on FT:

2015 Elite Status Buyback

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ame...te-status-buyback-boost-up-10-nov-2014-a.html