Beware Airline Scams Amid Middle East Disruptions
Criminals are exploiting flight cancellations and delays caused by the Iran-US tensions to target passengers seeking help or refunds from airlines.
As tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt air travel, criminals are taking advantage of the situation by creating fake airline accounts on social media to prey on vulnerable passengers. These scammers are posing as representatives from legitimate carriers, offering assistance and the promise of compensation to those affected by the flight disruptions.
The Anatomy of the Scam
The scam typically begins when a passenger, frustrated by a delayed or canceled flight, reaches out to the airline's social media accounts for information or assistance. The criminal, masquerading as an official representative, responds with an offer to help. They then request that the passenger send their personal and financial details, such as their phone number, via a direct message.
Fake Refunds and Compensation
Once the victim provides the requested information, the scammers use it to steal money or commit other forms of fraud. Instead of receiving the promised compensation, the passenger ends up having their funds siphoned away. The criminals exploit the vulnerable state of the traveler, who is already dealing with the stress of the flight disruption, to lure them into this insidious trap.
Source: The Guardian
