Holiday Flights: A Ticket to Fraud

The holiday season is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and scammers know it. You’ve booked your long-awaited trip to visit family or escape for a festive getaway when suddenly, a text message arrives. It looks like it’s from your airline’s support team with urgent news: your holiday flight has been canceled.

The message urges you to click a link or call a number immediately to rebook. It even includes your real flight number, making the alert feel legitimate. In the chaos of holiday packing and planning, it’s easy to panic and act fast.  

But here’s the truth: the text didn’t come from your airline. It came from cybercriminals hoping to trick you while you’re distracted by holiday stress. If you click the link or dial the number, you won’t reach the airline—you’ll reach a scammer posing as customer service. They’ll ask for your credit card or personal details under the guise of “rebooking” your flight. Handing over that information could mean losing both your money and your identity.  

How to Stay Safe During Holiday Travel:

-Verify through official channels. If you get a cancellation notice, check your airline’s official app or website for updates.  
-Ignore suspicious links or numbers. Only use the contact details provided in your booking confirmation or on the airline’s official site.  
-Watch for urgency traps. Scammers love phrases like “act now” or “call immediately.” Slow down, verify, and don’t let holiday stress push you into a rushed decision.