Scammers are exploiting social media platforms like X by impersonating UK airlines to deceive frustrated travelers. They respond swiftly to queries, pretending to be legitimate customer service representatives, and request personal information such as phone numbers and booking details. This deceptive tactic aims to facilitate identity theft or lead victims to phishing sites for financial information harvesting.
According to the consumer association Which, nearly all major UK airlines, including British Airways, easyJet, and Ryanair, have been targeted by these fraudulent accounts. Despite efforts to report and suspend fake accounts, the response has been limited, with flagged accounts often remaining active. Airlines like easyJet and Wizz Air are monitoring and advising customers to remain vigilant against such scams.
To identify fake accounts, Which recommends checking the account’s creation date and follower count—genuine airline accounts typically have older creation dates and more followers. It’s crucial for travelers not to disclose personal or financial information on social media platforms and instead contact airlines directly through their official websites for assistance.
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