Fake Airline 'Flight Cancelled — Refund' Line
When your flight is delayed or cancelled, scam 'airline support' numbers (from search ads or fake social accounts) collect your card, booking details, or a 'rebooking fee.'
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
During flight disruptions, travelers search for the airline's customer-service number or post complaints on social media. Scammers plant fake support numbers in search ads and reply from lookalike accounts, offering to rebook or refund you — then collect your booking reference, card details, or a 'rebooking/refund processing' fee. They may access your reservation. Use only the airline's official app, website, or the number on your ticket.
What it usually looks like
- A 'support' number found via search or a social reply during a disruption.
- Offers to rebook or refund quickly.
- Requests for booking reference and card.
- A 'rebooking' or 'processing' fee.
Common warning signs
- Support numbers from ads or social replies, not the airline's site.
- Fees to rebook or refund.
- Requests for full card and booking details.
- Pressure amid travel stress.
Example wording scammers use
“So sorry about your cancellation! DM us your booking code and card and we'll rebook you now. — 'Airline Support'”
“Call our refund line and pay the $49 processing fee to release your refund.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Your card and booking details.
- A bogus rebooking/refund fee.
- Access to your reservation.
What to do
- Use only the airline's official app, website, or the number on your ticket.
- Ignore support numbers from search ads and social replies.
- Never pay a fee to receive a refund you're owed.
- Report fake accounts.
What to do if you already responded
- Call your card issuer and change any account password you shared.
- Contact the real airline to secure your booking.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.