Travelers on Labor Day: Beware of Scammers!
As Labor Day approaches, millions of travelers are heading to airports nationwide, eager to enjoy the last days of summer. Today is expected to be the busiest morning of the holiday weekend. However, along with the increased activity of air travelers, scammers are also becoming more active, exploiting the trust and lack of awareness of travelers for their own gain.
Surge in Fraudulent Schemes Following CrowdStrike Outage
Fraud involving fake airlines has been a concern for cybersecurity experts for over a year. The recent CrowdStrike outage, which led to the cancellation of numerous flights, has sparked a resurgence of such scams. Scammers are actively using social media, creating fake airline accounts to deceive people seeking help with canceled or delayed flights. In one such case, a passenger who reached out to Lufthansa on Twitter received a response not only from the official account but also from eight fake accounts asking for personal details and a WhatsApp number.
Common Schemes and How to Avoid Them
According to cybersecurity strategist Paul Keener, scammers use the stolen information to issue credit cards, obtain loans, or sell personal data online. To avoid falling victim to such schemes, it is crucial to recognize the key signs of fraud:
- Newly created accounts
- Suspicious requests for personal information
- Links to fake airline websites
Safety Recommendations
Travelers are strongly advised to remain vigilant when interacting with airlines online. Before entering personal information or calling a provided number, it is essential to verify the authenticity of the source. Checking for a verification checkmark on the airline's account, using official apps, and visiting official websites can help avoid scams. If any suspicious activity occurs, such as unexpected messages about flight issues, it is better to contact the airline directly rather than responding to the message.
These precautionary measures will help keep your personal information and finances safe, ensuring a smooth journey and enjoyable holiday experience.