Fake Airline Support
Imposter 'airline help' numbers and social accounts that steal payments and booking details.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
What this scam is
Fake airline support scams use bogus customer-service numbers (often promoted in search ads) and imposter social accounts to intercept travellers seeking help with flights, refunds or rebookings.
How it works
You search for the airline's support and reach a fake number, or a fake account replies to your public complaint. The 'agent' asks for booking details, card data, or a fee to rebook — then exploits it.
Common red flags
- Support number found via an ad, not the airline's official site
- A social account replying from a near-identical handle
- Requests for full card details or a fee to rebook
- Pressure to act before your flight
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
This is [airline] support. To rebook your cancelled flight, pay a [amount] fee and confirm your card.
Payment methods used
- Card details harvested
- Rebooking 'fees'
Who is usually targeted
- Travellers with disruptions
- People seeking refunds
What to do immediately
- Use only contact details from the airline's official website/app
- Don't share full card details with inbound 'support'
- Report imposter accounts and contact your bank if needed
Evidence to preserve
- The number/handle
- Call or chat notes
- Payment records
Where to report it
- Action Fraud (UK) — UK national fraud & cybercrime reporting centre
- FTC ReportFraud (US) — US Federal Trade Commission fraud reports
- FBI IC3 (US) — US Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Scamwatch (Australia) — Australian competition & consumer reporting
- Your bank's fraud line — Use the number on the back of your card or in your banking app — never a number the caller gives you
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find genuine airline support?
Go to the airline's official website or app for contact details. Avoid support numbers from search ads and verify any social account is the airline's official, verified handle.