Caution of Fraudulent Flight Bookings
Protecting travellers from impersonation scams
At BudgetAir.co.uk, our foremost concern is the safety and security of our valued customers. Regrettably, we have observed instances where fraudsters and impersonators are attempting to deceive individuals by posing as representatives of BudgetAir.co.uk. These unscrupulous individuals deploy various tactics to dupe people into paying for non-existent flights, causing both distress and financial loss.
- How to recognise fraudulent flight scams
- Real-life scam cases
- Our commitment to your safety
- Other important references
How to recognise fraudulent flight scams
1. Communication Channels:
- Legitimate agents from BudgetAir.co.uk will never solicit customers to complete bookings or request payments via phone, WhatsApp, or any other messaging applications. Exercise caution if someone claiming to be from BudgetAir.co.uk insists on payment through unconventional channels.
2. Email Verification:
- Scrutinise email addresses meticulously in all communication exchanges. Impersonators may use domains that closely resemble ours, such as 'budget-air.co.uk' or 'budgetairtravels.com' or including '@budgetair.co.uk' within their contact info with a direct line to call. Double-check for spelling errors or extraneous punctuation, which may be indicative of a fraudulent domain.
3. Document Authentication:
- Exercise caution with fake ATOL certifications, booking confirmations, or invoices sent by scammers. These documents often feature the BudgetAir.co.uk logo, links to the official site, additional credentials and disclaimers to create an illusion of authenticity. Always verify the legitimacy of these documents through our official channels.
*As a cautionary measure, here is an example of the business profile created by the impersonators, illegal use of our logo and posing as BudgetAir.co.uk representatives.
Real-Life Scam Cases
1. Sample Case 1:
One reported case involved a traveller who, unfortunately, fell victim to a scam when contacting an individual posing as a BudgetAir.co.uk representative. This imposter falsely claimed to offer an enticing deal, leading to financial loss. The impersonator proposed a split payment plan; requested half of the payment upfront, sent a booking and payment confirmation, and asked for the remaining balance prior to the departure date. The payment was made, only for the victim to discover, on the day of the flight, that there was no actual booking when arriving at the airport.
2. Sample Case 2:
In another unfortunate incident, a prospective customer was approached by an imposter posing as a sales representative of BudgetAir.co.uk after they were looking for flight deals. The fake representative skillfully processed the booking in a friendly manner, creating an illusion of legitimacy and eliminating any doubts during the booking process. However, after making the payment, the booker received a statement displaying an unfamiliar organisation, entirely unrelated to the airline or BudgetAir.co.uk.
To add to the deception, these scammers provided a falsified ATOL certification along with payment receipts and invoices. The invoice included a photoshopped screenshot of the flight itinerary and false company information, further misleading the unsuspecting booker.
*As a cautionary measure, here are samples of the falsified receipt/invoice which were sent by the fraudsters to individuals affected by these scams. This illustrates the deceptive tactics used by scammers impersonating BudgetAir.co.uk.
Our Commitment to Your Safety:
At BudgetAir.co.uk, we are taking extra measures to protect our customers. Here's what you can do if you encounter any suspicious activity:
Contact Us
If you receive messages or encounter any suspicious activity from someone claiming to be from BudgetAir.co.uk, please submit your inquiry via our Customer Service page. This proactive step can help us investigate and address potential spoof attempts.
Please stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to help us ensure a secure and trustworthy travel experience for all our customers.
Other recommended actions:
- Monitor your accounts: Set up alerts and make sure no other irregular activities are happening to your financial assets.
- Report the phishing attempt: Report the phishing attempt to the National Cyber Security Centre (further information and instructions are available).
Book directly through our secure website, and please remember that we do not conduct booking and payments via phone. Your safety and peace of mind are of utmost importance to us.
Booking your dream trip shouldn't be a nightmare, so protect yours and your significant others' travel experience and stay safe exploring the world.