HARRISBURG– Attorney General Michelle Henry is warning Pennsylvanians to be aware of a complex scam targeting consumers who are rescheduling flight plans following airline flight delays and cancellations. Scammers are taking advantage of those circumstances to obtain personal information.
Scammers have been using Google’s search engines and creating fake accounts that appear to be affiliated with major airlines. Scammers are also altering existing legitimate Google listings. Consumers fall into the scam by searching their respective airlines, contacting a fake airline representative, and providing their personal information, including credit card information.
It is believed that Google has removed these listings from their search engine databases. However, consumers should remain vigilant when rescheduling flights.
Tips to Remember:
- Make sure you are accessing the airlines’ legitimate website;
- Do not trust search engine results to relay the airlines’ phone number;
- Always obtain the phone number directly from the official website of the airline you need to contact; and
- Do not give out personal or financial information in response to a request that you did not expect.
Consumers with any questions or feel that they have been victimized by this scam may submit a complaint with the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection by visiting the website, https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/submit-a-complaint/scams-complaint/, by emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov or by calling the office at 1-800-441-2555.
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