Today, as we navigate the digital world, we also encounter the unfortunate reality of scammers. These deceitful individuals prey on the trust and vulnerability of many people, sometimes including our loved ones.
Scammers disguise themselves behind screens, send phishing emails, make phone calls to obtain credit card information, or now offer assistance to travelers venting online to steal personal information. They may also steal financial information.
How do scammers trick frustrated flyers?
When travelers express their dissatisfaction on social media, scammers step in and offer to help. To deal with this issue, directly ask for personal information like phone number and her WhatsApp contacts through her messages. According to the Washington Post, this often results in an offer to rebook a flight, followed by a request for credit card details.
Washington Post reporter Mike Hume recently shared an alarming story after facing problems during a JetBlue Airways flight delay. Hume headed to X and raised his concerns directly with the airline. However, he did receive potentially helpful responses from accounts claiming to be managers and supervisors who worked for JetBlue.
Fortunately, Hume noticed that both accounts were unverified, had misspelled names, and had a small number of followers, according to the Washington Post.
Despite X's efforts to improve its authentication system, fake accounts continue to spread and deceive users. Elon Musk's Twitter Blue subscription service also made it easier for scammers to buy blue checkmarks. According to Market Realist, this leads customers to believe that the verified account is genuine, even though it may not be.
Are airlines doing anything about it?
According to the airline's official account, the gold check is currently posted. X.
The airline also released a statement on the issue.
Derek Dombrowski, JetBlue's senior manager of corporate communications, told the Washington Post that, “Like other companies in the industry, there are fake social media sites that misrepresent JetBlue to mislead and defraud customers. I checked some accounts.”
Dombrowski said the company is working with cyber fraud prevention companies and its own legal team to combat fake posts. However, creating fake social media accounts is so easy that deleting them can be like playing whack-a-mole. So, according to the Washington Post, it's important to remain vigilant and be aware of these despicable acts.
United Airlines told Fox Business that its team is on the lookout for fraudulent communications with customers, but advises people to “always review accounts that share information.”
Additionally, according to Fox Business, United Airlines urged customers to “report fraudulent activity to the social media platform where it occurred.”
Southwest Airlines told Fox Business, “The best way to know you're talking to Southwest Airlines and to avoid having others intrude on your conversation is to message us privately.'' It's a safe and secure method.”
Are there other travel scams out there?
The Federal Trade Commission shares a lot of information and suggestions about scammers while traveling.
most common travel scams
1. “Free” Vacation
You may have come across online ads promoting “free” vacations, or received emails, phone calls, or text messages claiming to have won vacations without entering a contest.
However, if you accept these offers, you will find that you will have to pay fees and taxes upfront. This means that “free” vacations are not truly free. Genuine companies don't have to pay for prizes that are supposed to be free.
2. Robocalls about vacation deals
You may receive robocalls offering vacation deals at discounted rates. It's important to note that robocalls from companies trying to sell you something are illegal unless they have written permission directly from you to make such calls.
If someone is already breaking the law by robocalling you without your consent, it could be a scam. This is a company you should at least avoid doing business with.
3. International travel document fraud
You may come across websites that promise to help you obtain international travel visas, passports, and other documents. However, these sites are just imitations of his website for the US Department of State.
The official US State Department website often charges high fees, including for services that are actually free.
4. International driving license fraud
International Driving Permit translates your government-issued license into 10 languages. A scammer sets up his website selling fake international driving licenses or tries to sell licenses through various means. Buying a fake international driving license means spending money on a worthless document.
Additionally, if you are detained for driving in a foreign country, you may run into legal troubles and trip interruptions. Only the U.S. Department of State, the American Automobile Association, and the U.S. Auto Touring Alliance have the authority to issue international driver's licenses.
5. Villa scam
It's easy to communicate directly with property owners who are listing their vacation homes online. However, scammers also target rental reservations. They can take over genuine rental properties and present them as their own, and when you arrive on vacation find someone else booking the same property and get stuck.
In this situation, you will lose your accommodation and your money. Alternatively, some scammers will fabricate a list of properties that cannot be rented or that don't even exist.
6. Charter flight scam
You may receive a flyer, come across an advertisement, or be informed by someone in your area about an opportunity to travel by private plane to your desired destination. This benefit may include accommodation and sightseeing tours, and you might think it's a formal charter flight and vacation package.
But when you pay, you find out it's a scam. The U.S. Department of Transportation's Special Authorities Division maintains a list of authorized public charter flights. If your charter application is not approved by her DOT before the package is sold, you may be working with a fraudulent charter operator.
signs of fraud
- Scammers advertise “free” vacations that require payment. Scammers often lure you in by claiming to have won something and then later demand payment for it. If you have to pay, it's not completely free, and fees and taxes can add up to hundreds of dollars.
- Scammers provide vague details about travel offers. The offer promises a stay at a “5-star” resort or a “luxury” cruise ship without providing specific information such as the hotel address or cruise line name. If it lacks details, it's best to avoid it.
- They insist that you only pay for your vacation rental via wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency. Therefore, once you collect your money, it becomes almost impossible to recover it.
- Scammers pressure you to make quick decisions about vacation packages and rentals. If you are prompted to make a decision right away, it is wise to say no. Scammers succeed by rushing their victims, so it's better to consider other options.
- They advertise luxury vacation properties at unusually low prices. If the rent appears to be significantly lower than comparable rental properties, it could be a sign of a scam. Always be wary of below-market prices for rental properties.
How to avoid travel scams
- Be sure to understand the terms and conditions before signing or paying. Please obtain a copy of our cancellation and refund policy in advance. If these details are not provided, it is best to walk away. Turn down any offers that force you to make a hasty decision without giving you time to consider it.
- Do thorough research: Search for reviews and complaints about travel companies, hotels, rentals, and agencies using terms like “scam,” “reviews,” and “complaints.” Make sure the property address exists, and if it's in a resort, contact the front desk to confirm the details on your contract.
- Avoid paying with wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrencies: Promoters of fraudulent travel packages may request these payment methods, which are clear signs of a scam. Using these methods can result in money being lost without being able to be traced or recovered.
If you suspect you have been targeted by a travel scam, you can report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or through your state attorney general.
