Despite the International Air Transport Association’s forecast of airline industry profits surpassing $25 billion in 2024, travelers remain vulnerable to scammers exploiting their itineraries. The Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker has documented numerous instances of fake flight-cancellation alerts and other deceitful tactics aimed at consumers.

Travelers seeking affordable flights online might find what appear to be attractive deals from well-known airlines. However, after booking through a website or a customer support number, they often get a call from the purported company claiming unexpected price increases or additional fees are needed to secure the booking. In truth, these travelers have unknowingly used scam websites or fake customer service numbers. The cited price hikes are merely a tactic to squeeze more money from unwary consumers.

Tips to Avoid Travel Scams:

• Research Companies: Before interacting with unfamiliar travel agencies, check BBB.org for reviews and consumer feedback. Consider dealing only with businesses accredited by the Better Business Bureau for increased protection.
• Verify Flight Details: Always double-check your flight information before reaching out to customer support. Scammers frequently send false airline cancellation notices that mimic genuine messages. Ensure details like flight and reservation numbers are accurate before contacting customer service.
• Authenticate Website URLs: Be careful when entering personal and payment details online. Confirm the authenticity and security of websites before completing any transactions. For additional advice, visit BBB.org/BBBSecure.
• Exercise Caution with Third-Party Websites: Stay alert to websites that do not provide valid customer service contacts, contain grammatical errors, or list suspicious addresses.
• Use Credit Cards for Online Purchases: Opt for credit cards when making online purchases. They provide options for disputing fraudulent charges, which other payment methods might not offer.

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