Travel fraud is more than an inconvenience
Surveying the airline scam landscape
Navigating hazardous conditions
Scammers are opportunists by nature. Fraudsters know that consumers share a vast amount of data — from payment information to frequent-flier details — making them a very attractive target.
Key safety features
In the event of a data breach due to a scam, hack or cyberattack, airlines can face steep costs, including loss of revenue, and may struggle to keep hold of their customers. Just how big a problem is it?
Fraudsters may change course to avoid detection, making these the most common routes to a data breach:
Across our hyperconnected world fraudsters and scammers are constantly looking to exploit any sector where there may be gaps in cyber resilience. This can be financially destructive and reputationally damaging.
The travel industry is no exception, with airlines providing a clear example of a sector for which data security is increasingly important when it comes to maintaining consumer trust.
Like all sectors, airlines can take steps to mitigate fraud, reducing reputational turbulence
30%
Airlines saw a 30% year-over-year increase in loyalty fraud in 20221
$1B
Fraud through digital channels costs airlines a minimum of $1 billion each year2
$6B
The average top 30 global airline loyalty program is worth
$6 billion3
Phishing
Phony emails offering cheap flights that may contain unsafe links
Fake ads
Fraudulent payment platforms designed to steal financial information
Phone calls
Impersonation scams that aim to steal further personal data or money
Improved security tools
Employee training
Customer education
Keep your customers and members informed of the latest scam tactics to enable them to stay vigilant.
Customer education
Employee training
Improved security tools
Customer education
Employee training
Improved security tools
Scammers often target employees in attempts to gain access to company systems or personal data. Keep up regular training with your staff, urging them to report phishing or other suspicious activity.
Robust technologies aimed at verifying user identity include two-factor and biometric authentication, validating device attributes and analyzing login and purchase behavior. These tools can help protect against fraudulent purchases and points redemption, even if their information or credentials have been stolen.
To learn more about how you can protect your business from scams, click here
Learn more
According to Group-IB research — https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/airlines-battle-loyalty-program/
The International Air Transport Association — https://www.forbes.com/sites/marisagarcia/2023/12/11/airline-fraud-over-the-holidays-protect-yourself-and-your-miles/?sh=168e171e7920
Onpointloyalty — https://onpointloyalty.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/On-Point-Loyalty-Report-top-100-Most-Valuable-Airline-Programs-2023.pdf
Travel scams:
A 30,000-foot view
EVOLUTION OF FRAUD
Travel scams:
A 30,000-foot view
EVOLUTION OF FRAUD