Beware of fake airline cancellation texts designed to steal your personal and financial information.
In this week’s scam, you’ve booked travel plans on an upcoming flight when you receive a text message. It appears to be from the airline’s support team and contains some alarming news: your flight has been canceled. The text urges you to select a link or call a phone number immediately to rebook your flight. The message looks official and even includes your real flight number, which might make you panic and try to fix the problem right away.
However, the text wasn’t sent by the airline, but by cybercriminals who are hoping to scare you into acting without thinking. If you select the link or call the number provided in the text, you won’t be connected to the airline’s customer service team. Instead, you will be connected to a scammer who will pretend to work for the airline. They will ask you for your financial information so they can “rebook” your flight. But if you give them your credit card number or personal details, they’ll steal your money and your identity!
Tips to Stay Safe
Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to this scam:
- Always verify flight changes through official sources. If you receive a text about a cancellation, go to the airline’s official app or website to check your flight’s status.
- Never trust a link or phone number in an unexpected text message. If you need to contact an airline, call the customer service number in your booking confirmation email or on their official website.
- Scammers use phrases like “act now” or “call immediately” to prompt you into making a rushed decision. Always stop and verify the information before you take action.
Stop. Look. Think. And don’t be fooled.
Tips of the Week Brought to You By Our Partners at KnowBe4
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