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When a message appears on your phone that your flight has been cancelled, your first instinct is to panic. This is what scammers are counting on.
A new travel agency scam is spreading around the world. fake messages from airlines it looks convincing, but links you to scammers rather than customer service.
These cybercriminals claim to help you rebook your trip. What they really want is your credit card or personal information.
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How the Flight Cancellation Text Message Scam Works
The scam starts with a message that looks like it's from your airline. It may include your name, flight number and a link or phone number. The message contains urgent language stating that your flight is canceled or delayed and instructs you to “call this number” or “click to rebook.”
THE PILOT ALERT THAT THE AIR TRAFFIC DELAY WILL CONTINUE AFTER THE STOP.
Scammers are sending fake flight cancellation texts that appear official, using real airline names, flight numbers and logos to trick travelers into calling them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Once you do this, you speak to a scammer posing as an airline agent. They will offer to “help” you rebook your flight for a fee. They may ask for payment details or personal information such as your date of birth or passport number.
In some cases, they send confirmation emails that appear official to make the lie more believable.
AI-generated messages make fraud difficult to detect because they mimic airline warnings so well that even frequent fliers can be duped during busy travel seasons. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Why the scam seems real
Scammers use real airline names, logos and flight numbers to make messages appear official. Many are now using artificial intelligence tools to create persuasive language and fake confirmations that mimic real airline warnings. These reports often come during busy tourist seasons or during storms, making them even more believable.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that criminals are posing as airline customer service by sending fake text messages and calls saying your flight has been cancelled. They use this panic to push you into rebooking or revealing your personal details.
Meanwhile, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is reporting a surge in fake cancellation notices that include fake phone numbers leading straight to scammers.
Because these alerts appear real and contain urgent language, even experienced travelers may mistake them for genuine updates. Keeping calm and check directly with the airline this is the best protection.
Stay calm and check information through official airline apps or websites – this is the safest way to protect your money and personal information before taking any action. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How to protect yourself from fake flight cancellation messages
Fraudsters use fear and urgency to trick travelers into clicking on incorrect links or calling fake numbers. Follow these steps to ensure the safety of your trip and information.
1) Check flight changes only through official airline sources.
Always check flight updates on the airline's official website or mobile app. Log in directly instead of clicking on links from unexpected texts or emails. Scammers create fake links that look real, but one click could reveal your personal information.
2) Call only verified airline phone numbers.
If you need to call customer service, use the number provided on your booking confirmation, on the airline's app or on its verified website. Never trust a phone number sent in a text message or social media post. Real airlines will never change their contact information during a trip.
3) Stay calm and recognize the pitfalls of urgency.
Fraudsters are counting on panic. Messages that say “call now,” “act quickly,” or “your spot will be cancelled” are meant to rush you. Slow down and check before you answer. Taking a minute to check the official status of your flight will prevent you from losing money or data.
4) Protect your personal and financial information
Legitimate airline employees will not ask for gift card numbers, bank transfers, or your bank login. Use a reliable antivirus program to block phishing sites and identity-stealing malware if you accidentally click the wrong link.
The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware and potentially access your personal information is to install powerful antivirus software on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.
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5) Remove exposed data before scammers find it.
Use a data removal service to remove your personal data from people search websites. These sites allow scammers to target travelers by name, location and phone number. Keeping your information confidential reduces your risk.
Although no service can guarantee complete removal of your data from the Internet, data deletion service really a smart choice. They don't come cheap, and neither does your privacy. These services do all the work for you, actively monitoring and systematically removing your personal information from hundreds of websites. This is what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk that scammers will link leaked data to information they can find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.
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6) Report suspicious messages immediately.
Forward scam messages to 7726 (SPAM) and report phony airline messages to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Sharing reports helps agencies stop active fraud and protect other travelers.
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Kurt's key takeaways
Fake flight cancellation scams are spreading quickly, especially during busy travel seasons. Stay calm, check changes through official airline sources, never click on random links or call unknown numbers. Technology has made travel easier, but awareness and caution are still your best defense.
Have you ever received a fake flight alert that almost fooled you? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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