Fraudsters are exploiting the Middle East crisis by setting up fake airline social media accounts to target travellers seeking refunds or assistance. Santander UK has reported that customers affected by flight cancellations and delays have been contacted by scammers posing as airlines such as Qatar Airways, Etihad and Emirates.
The scammers scan social media for passengers trying to contact legitimate airline accounts and reply offering help. Victims are asked to send a direct message with personal details, then receive a link to a money transfer app to accept a supposed refund. Instead, their accounts are debited.
Chris Ainsley, head of fraud risk management at Santander UK, said: “Fraudsters are quick to exploit uncertainty and the travel disruption caused by the conflict in the Middle East is no exception. We’re already seeing criminals target people seeking refunds for booked travel and holidays.”
Fake accounts often use the airline’s logo and names like “support team” or “guest services care”. Red flags include very low follower numbers – usually in single figures. Etihad has warned customers that it will never request passwords, payment details or sensitive information via social media.
Experts advise travellers to check updates only on official airline websites or the Foreign Office website, and never to hand over payment details or passwords in response to unsolicited social media messages.
