Scam Alert: Fake Airline Accounts Target Travelers Amid Iran Conflict Disruptions

If your flight is postponed due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and you’re seeking updates, you might turn to the internet for answers. You spot what looks like an official airline social media account, ask your question, and promptly receive a helpful response.

The person on the other end requests that you send a private message with your details, which seems normal enough. Soon, you’re discussing compensation and are asked for your phone number. However, rather than receiving money, you find yourself unexpectedly losing it. The account, although appearing legitimate, is a fake.

Impersonating airlines online isn’t a new scam, but fraudsters are now exploiting the chaos caused by the war in Iran to target individuals globally, creating fake accounts in the names of the most affected airlines.

Santander has already been contacted by customers who faced flight delays and cancellations, only to be tricked by these con artists. On the social media platform X, users have reported sham accounts masquerading as representatives from Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Emirates.

Chris Ainsley, head of fraud risk management at Santander UK, notes: “Fraudsters thrive on uncertainty, and the travel disruptions stemming from the Middle East conflict are no exception.

“We’ve noticed criminals targeting those seeking refunds for their travel plans, sending them links to supposedly initiate a refund process, but instead, these links lead to unauthorized charges on people’s accounts.”

Scam Tactics

Scammers create accounts that appear authentic, complete with the airline’s logo. The account name might directly reference the airline or use more generic terms like support team, quick response team, or guest services care.

The profile might prompt you to share your email or phone number, or it might not provide any contact details at all. Typically, these fraudsters monitor social media for passengers reaching out to legitimate accounts and then intervene, offering assistance. This makes it difficult to discern that the interaction is fraudulent.

Once you provide your details via direct message, the scammer, posing as an airline representative, might claim they can process a refund. They’ll send a link to a money transfer app, asking you to use your digital wallet to receive the refund. Instead of crediting you, they’ll withdraw funds from your account.

How to Protect Yourself

Exercise great caution with social media accounts not directly linked from the airline’s official website or other verified sources. Legitimate airlines often list their official social media accounts on their main pages.

If an account responds to your query, verify its authenticity by checking the name against the airline’s official social media presence.

Be alert to low follower counts on these pages—a common red flag of fraudulent accounts.

Never share payment information or passwords. Etihad, for instance, has alerted its customers on X, stating: “Etihad will never ask for passwords, one-time codes, payment details, or any other sensitive information via social media messages.” If you encounter such requests, do not comply.

Ainsley advises: “Always check for updates directly from the airline or travel company’s official website or even the Foreign Office website.”