Recently, there has been a concerning rise in scams being committed on individuals attempting to book Air India flights. These scams not only involve financial losses but also indicate the level of sophistication fraudsters have reached. This article examines some such instances, gives an insight into the modus operandi of these scams, and offers practical advice on how one can safeguard oneself against such scams.
Case Study 1: The Fraudulent Call to a Former Union Transport Ministry Official
A recent incident in Gurugram illustrates how fraudsters operate. A retired Union transport ministry official received a call from a person who identified himself as an Air India executive. The caller, who appeared genuine, had details of the official's frequent flyer membership, "Mahararaj Club." The official, taken in by the caller, shared confidential information, only to realize later that ₹1.22 lakh had been withdrawn from his account.
Case Study 2: The Retired Professor's Nightmare
Dr. S.C. Tiwari, a retired professor, booked an Air India flight from Toronto to Delhi on May 2, 2025, in November 2024, through a travel booking facilitator. When he discovered that his name was misspelled on the booking confirmation, he contacted Air India's customer care. Later, he received a call from someone who introduced himself as an Air India official, and the caller requested his bank account PIN to correct the error. Dr. Tiwari, trusting the caller, complied, and ₹94,150 was debited from his account. He reported the incident to his bank and the police.
Case Study 3: The Chandigarh-Based Travel Agent's Loss
A Chandigarh-based travel agent fell victim to a sophisticated scam involving fraudulent ticket bookings. Over 15 days, he booked multiple discounted tickets through an individual claiming to be an Air India representative. The agent paid for the tickets after passengers completed their travel. However, when many of these tickets were canceled due to the second wave of COVID-19, refunds were never processed, resulting in a loss of approximately ₹52 lakh.
Case Study 4: The Agony of Kenyan Nationals in India
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, some scammers targeted Kenyans who were stuck in India. The scammers reached out to people via social media, promising evacuation flights to Kenya at exorbitant prices. Passengers were required to pay KSh 79,000 to KSh 90,000 for tickets that did not exist. The Kenyan High Commission in India did not know about such flights and advised nationals not to fall victim to the scams.
Initiatives of Air India in Combating Fraudulent Activities
Air India has been proactive when it comes to addressing fraudulent activities aimed at its customers. In July 2022, Air India warned customers about a fraudulent message on social media stating winners could receive ₹6,000 under Air India's 75th Anniversary Transportation Subsidy. Air India clarified that it did not take responsibility for messages of this sort and requested that customers exercise caution.
Besides this, in December 2024, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) revised its bomb threat call analysis procedure for greater efficiency and response time. This was after several hoax messages resulted in diversions and delays in the aviation environment.
Tips to Protect Yourself from Air India Booking Scams
- Verify Communication Channels: Always ensure that any communication received is through official Air India channels. Be cautious of unsolicited messages or calls.
- Never Disclose Sensitive Information: Genuine Air India representatives will never ask for personal details like bank account numbers or PINs over the phone.
- Use Official Booking Websites: Make your reservations on Air India's official website or via authorized travel agents. Avoid third-party websites that seem suspicious or guarantee deals that are too good to be true.
- Be Wary of Unsolicited Offers: Be wary of unsolicited offers, especially those that ask you to decide immediately or provide personal information.
- Monitor Financial Transactions: Regularly review your bank statements and credit card transactions for unauthorized use.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Inform Air India's customer care, your bank, and local police immediately if you suspect any fraudulent activity.
Conclusion
The rise in Air India flight booking scams is a stark reminder to passengers to remain vigilant and cautious. By being aware of the common fraud methods and taking precautions, one can significantly reduce the likelihood of being a victim of such scams. Always prioritize caution and verify the authenticity of any offer or communication about flight bookings.
Related Articles
- Air India Warns Customers of Hoax Communications
- Lessons Learned: CISF Revises Protocols to Address Hoax Messages
- Understanding the Air India Ticketing Racket Unveiled by COVID-19
Passengers can protect themselves from the latest tactics of fraudsters targeting airline passengers by being alert and informed.