Holiday travelers beware: Rising threat of airline ticket scam revealed by INTERPOL

In the midst of the festive season travel rush, a concerning trend has emerged with criminals exploiting the holiday spirit to execute a viral airline ticket scam. The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) has issued a warning, shedding light on the growing threat posed by scammers utilising stolen credit card details to purchase airline tickets and then reselling them at seemingly irresistible bargain prices.

How the airline ticket scam operates?

In this deceptive scheme, fraudsters acquire or hack credit card information to procure airline tickets. Subsequently, they advertise these tickets on professionally crafted websites or social media accounts posing as legitimate travel agencies. Victims attempting to secure these seemingly discounted tickets are then coerced into immediate payments, often through cash, bank transfers, or virtual currencies. After receiving payment, scammers send a flight booking confirmation with the original purchase details erased.

Identifying & avoiding scams

The INTERPOL warns that detecting this scam is challenging due to the elaborate efforts scammers put into creating authentic-looking platforms. However, there are key indicators to watch out for:

Unusually low ticket prices: Be cautious if the ticket price seems significantly lower than other options, as it could be a ploy to lure unsuspecting travelers.

Last-minute departure dates: Scammers frequently sell fraudulently obtained tickets close to the departure date, aiming to exploit the time between purchase and the realisation by the cardholder.

Payment methods: Exercise caution if asked to pay in cash or through bank transfer, as these methods offer limited protection against fraud.

Ensuring safe booking practices

To safeguard against falling victim to this scam, travelers are advised to:

Opt for direct booking: Purchase airline tickets directly from the airline or through reputable travel agencies certified by relevant authorities.

Secure online transactions: Use websites with secure payment systems, identified by "https" at the beginning of the web address, for online purchases.

Thorough research: Verify the legitimacy of travel agencies by checking their website, reading reviews, and confirming reliable contact information.

Review terms & conditions: Prioritise reviewing the terms and conditions of any transaction, paying special attention to refund policies and associated processes.

In the midst of the holiday excitement, vigilance is paramount to ensure safe and joyous travels. Stay informed, be cautious, and prioritise secure booking practices to thwart the efforts of these malicious scammers.