Kamal Ghorui
Airline passengers are being urged to stay alert as scammers increasingly target travellers through fake emails, fraudulent calls and deceptive online offers. Emirates has issued a warning advising customers to be cautious of phishing messages, “free ticket” scams, fake invoices and fraudulent calls posing as airline representatives. The airline said scammers often attempt to obtain personal and financial information by impersonating legitimate companies. They may use emails, text messages, pop-up advertisements or phone calls to trick travellers into sharing sensitive details such as account passwords or credit card information.
https://www.emirates.com/english/information/cybersecurity/
Protecting Emirates Skywards accounts
Passengers who use the airline’s loyalty programme, Emirates Skywards, have been advised never to share their Skywards ID password with anyone. Emirates emphasised that it will never ask customers for their account password as part of the verification process or while providing customer support. Travellers who suspect that their Skywards account has been compromised are advised to change their password immediately to secure their account.
Be cautious of suspicious phone calls
The airline also advised customers to be cautious of fraudulent phone calls that might pose as representatives of Emirates. Scammers may also use pressure tactics or use enticing language to trick their victims into providing them with their useful information or money, and they may also use phone numbers that are similar to authentic phone numbers. It’s necessary that before divulging any kind of information, passengers are asked to verify the caller’s identity. They are advised to hang up the phone immediately and contact the airline if they suspect that something is unusual or unwarranted.
How to identify phishing emails and messages
Fraudsters frequently send emails or text messages designed to resemble official airline communications, sometimes copying corporate logos and formatting to make them appear genuine.Emirates recommends that customers avoid clicking on links or opening attachments in unsolicited or suspicious messages. Instead, if passengers need to update personal information or confirm information, they should get in touch with the airline directly.
Typical indicators that a phishing scam is being carried out include:
The phone number or email address that the scammer sends does not match the business that he or she claims to be representing.The message does not begin with the recipient’s name but instead starts off with a greeting such as “Dear customer.”Links that seem authentic yet go to another website addressMessages asking for financial or personal information, including credit card numbers or passwordsUnexpected emails with attachmentsAdditionally, passengers are advised to exercise caution if the information appears to be very different from what they have previously received from the airline.
Reporting suspicious messages
Emirates has asked customers to report suspicious emails or messages claiming to be from the airline. Passengers can forward such emails to the airline’s abuse reporting address so that the messages can be investigated. Although the reporting inbox is monitored, customers may receive only an automated acknowledgement after submitting a report. The airline said remaining vigilant and relying only on official Emirates channels is the best way for travellers to protect their accounts and avoid falling victim to online travel scams.
