Major airlines including British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair have warned customers about scammers on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) who pose as official accounts to steal personal data and money. The fraudsters reply to frustrated travellers' complaints with offers of help, often using bots to identify targets.
According to a Telegraph investigation, victims may receive a WhatsApp call from a Kenyan mobile number after providing a contact number. The caller instructs them to download the legitimate app World Remit and add bank or credit card details, leading to potential losses of hundreds of pounds.
Naomi Leach, Deputy Editor of Which? Travel, advised: “Always check that any message purporting to be from a business like an airline comes from its official account before you reply. If you are in any doubt at all, get in touch directly using the contact details on its official website instead.”
An easyJet spokesperson said: “We are aware that these purport to be an official easyJet account. We have reported the account to X so they can take any necessary action and advise customers follow only our official channel @easyJet for the latest updates or to seek support.”
X has stated that accounts impersonating organisations may be permanently suspended. Victims are urged to contact their bank immediately and report the scam to Action Fraud or Police Scotland.
