A former Delta employee shared her harrowing experience with scammers posing as Delta agents, charging her $1,000 for a fake flight change. This incident highlights a growing concern in the airline industry: rogue travel agencies buying Google ads to appear as legitimate Delta representatives and scamming customers.
Another story emerged involving a passenger who was charged $17,000 by “AIRLINEFARE” after mistakenly calling United Airlines’ customer service line. Phone records showed that the call lasted three hours, while the agent claimed it only lasted 12 minutes. United acknowledged the call but failed to provide an explanation for the discrepancy.
These incidents demonstrate how scammers can exploit unsuspecting travelers. To avoid falling victim, experts advise relying on legitimate airline websites and contacting them directly through their official phone numbers.
In recent years, Singapore Airlines has faced similar issues with scammers taking over old phone numbers and charging customers exorbitant fees for basic services. The airline has implemented new rules to manage waitlist requests online, but it’s essential for passengers to be aware of the risks.
As Gary Leff, a renowned expert in frequent business travel, notes, “Cookies, device identifiers, and other information can be used to track your activity and present targeted advertising.” However, this data can also be exploited by scammers to create fake airline websites or phone numbers.
In light of these incidents, it’s crucial for travelers to take precautions:
* Avoid relying on Google search results for airline phone numbers
* Contact airlines directly through their official websites
* Be cautious when dealing with travel agencies and verify their legitimacy
* Monitor your credit card statements closely to detect any suspicious charges
By being informed and vigilant, passengers can minimize the risk of falling prey to rogue agents and scammers.
Source: https://viewfromthewing.com/he-called-united-after-his-flight-was-cancelled-and-no-one-can-explain-how-he-got-scammed-for-17000