Beware of Social Media Travel Scams: How to Protect Yourself

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 16, 2024 04:30 AMNews
Share:
Person using a smartphone
Travelers are targeted by fake airline accounts. Source: unsplash

Criminals are increasingly targeting frustrated travelers on social media by setting up fake airline accounts and pretending to offer help. This trend, first highlighted by The Independent in 2022, sees scammers mainly from East Africa exploiting travelers' complaints to airlines and holiday companies.

The surge in these scams is significant, with one easyJet passenger who complained about a baggage issue on X (formerly Twitter) being contacted by ten scam accounts. The scams began as travel resumed post-COVID, with fraudsters seeing an opportunity amidst the chaos of lost baggage and canceled flights.

Scammers create "imposter" accounts that resemble official airline sites, such as @easyJet_easy_ or @CareBritish. Their goal is to lure unsuspecting travelers into believing they are receiving legitimate help, only to extract money through a series of elaborate lies.

A typical scam involves the fraudsters using bots to find and respond to complaints on social media. For instance, when asking about check-in times for a flight, travelers might receive messages from fake accounts requesting personal information under the guise of providing assistance. The scammers then initiate contact, often via WhatsApp, claiming to represent customer service from outsourced locations like Kenya.

During these interactions, the scammers ask for personal details and request the victim to download legitimate apps such as World Remit. They then instruct the victim to enter codes under the pretense of processing compensation, which actually transfers money to the scammers' accounts. The amounts involved can be substantial, sometimes totaling hundreds of pounds.

To avoid falling victim to these scams, travelers should verify the credentials of any accounts that contact them. Genuine company accounts will have a gold or blue verification tick. Checking the account's history and follower count can also help identify fakes; for example, legitimate accounts will have a substantial number of followers and a longer presence on the platform.

Additionally, travelers should never share their phone numbers or personal details through these channels. If contacted by a suspicious account, it is best to disconnect and reach out to the company through official channels. EasyJet advises customers to only follow and engage with their verified account, @easyJet, and to report any suspicious activity.

By staying vigilant and following these precautions, travelers can protect themselves from losing money to social media travel scams.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Malaysia Airlines aircraft being loaded at the airport gate

Malaysia Airlines Reinstates Brisbane Route with Expanded Regional Access

Apr 18, 2025 23:21 PM
Aerial view of a beach on Seychelles, with turquoise waves and granite rock formations

Seychelles Launches Marine Programme for Environmentally Minded Travellers

Apr 18, 2025 21:34 PM

Maintenance Work to Impact Summer Departures at Hannover Airport

Apr 18, 2025 19:48 PM

Severe Rail Disruptions Ahead of Marathon and FA Cup

Apr 18, 2025 17:23 PM
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 aircraft in mid-flight against a grey sky

Asia Travel Made Easier with New Airline Partnership

Apr 18, 2025 15:35 PM
Crowne Plaza hotel building under clear sky

Business Travel Gets Personal: New Hotel Perk Encourages Guests to Bring a Companion

Apr 17, 2025 23:31 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off from the runway during daytime

Easter Flights Bring Seasonal Comforts for Travelers

Apr 17, 2025 20:25 PM
Two people walking with an umbrella during heavy rain on a flooded street

Weekend Weather Threatens Travel Across South West England

Apr 17, 2025 18:47 PM
Wizz Air aircraft in flight against cloudy sky

Wizz Air Expands Naples Routes with New Travel Destinations

Apr 17, 2025 16:33 PM

Maui faces water shortage amid tourist comfort

Apr 16, 2025 22:39 PM

New Direct Flight Simplifies Travel Between Munich and Dubai

Apr 16, 2025 20:42 PM
Interior view of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 with immigration area and directional signs

Changi Lounges to Expand Space and Comfort Over Two Years

Apr 16, 2025 18:24 PM
Rail workers operating heavy machinery to replace tracks during infrastructure upgrade

Train Delays Expected on Pisa to Rome Line This Summer

Apr 16, 2025 16:37 PM
Traveler with suitcase watching airplane take off at airport terminal

Antalya Airport Upgrade Enhances Travel Experience

Apr 15, 2025 16:46 PM
Dynjandi waterfall cascading down a rocky mountain in Westfjords, Iceland

Iceland’s Expanding Appeal for Nature-Loving Travellers

Apr 15, 2025 14:53 PM

Flexible Antalya Trips Now Easier from Graz

Apr 15, 2025 12:37 PM

UK Rain Warning Triggers Travel Caution for Midweek Journeys

Apr 15, 2025 10:44 AM
Ryanair plane landing at airport

Hidden Fees and Access Problems Reported on eDreams

Apr 15, 2025 08:21 AM
Passengers seated inside a city bus

Electric Buses Make Exploring Exeter Smoother for Visitors

Apr 15, 2025 06:39 AM
Munich Airport's central plaza with glass roof and modern architecture

New Munich Route Eases Access to Canadian Rockies

Apr 14, 2025 23:56 PM
Rail workers conducting track maintenance during daytime engineering works

Easter Rail Closures to Impact UK Holiday Travel

Apr 14, 2025 21:42 PM
Ryanair airplane in mid-flight against a blue sky

Expedia Adds Direct Ryanair Bookings Amid Shift in Airline Strategy

Apr 14, 2025 19:38 PM

Traveler Left Without Wheelchair After Hawaii Flight

Apr 13, 2025 21:41 PM

Winter Closure of Burgas Airport Will Impact Air Travel

Apr 13, 2025 19:34 PM
View of an empty airplane aisle from a low angle, showing rows of seats and overhead bins

Avelo Faces Backlash Over Deportation Flight Deal

Apr 12, 2025 22:49 PM
Airplane at airport gate during sunrise with ground crew preparing for departure

Quick Getaways Changing the Way Europe Travels

Apr 12, 2025 19:51 PM