UAE travel agencies, banks warn of scammers targeting travellers via social media

Travel agencies and banks in the UAE have warned of a rise in organised online fraud campaigns targeting travellers during the current period, which is witnessing flight changes, refund requests or re-bookings.

These campaigns make advantage of the confusion that travellers experience or the urgent inquiries that they make through various digital platforms.

According to recent alerts received from several travel agencies and banks, fraudulent messages impersonating representatives of airlines, technical support teams, or travel agencies have been detected.

These messages, which are communicated via social media or SMS, target customers who show interest in flight updates or ask questions about delays or cancellations via social media.

They rely on an outwardly official style to convince the victim of their credibility.

According to travel agencies, the scam relies on monitoring users’ online activity, such as travel-related searches or interactions with flight-related posts.

Such users are then targeted with messages claiming to offer assistance with refunds, booking modifications, or cancellations. Victims are then directed to unofficial channels, such as private messaging apps, or to suspicious links that request banking information or sensitive personal data, exposing them to the risk of data theft or financial fraud.

In contrast, banks have confirmed in email alerts sent to their customers that all modification or refund processes must be carried out exclusively through the official channels of airlines or approved applications.

They have warned against dealing with any untrusted entities that appear through comments or surprise messages, stressing the need for them to avoid clicking on unknown links and sharing any financial information or passwords with any entity claiming to provide support outside of official channels.