Summer travel coming up? Watch out for this airline phone scam

If you’re headed to the airport for vacation soon, be on the lookout for a well-hidden and potentially expensive scam that’s popped up across the country this summer. 

AAA of Western and Central New York issued a warning this week, explaining how scammers use fake phone numbers to ensnare airline customers attempting to contact the airlines about a canceled or delayed flight. 

Once they get the customer on the phone (thinking you’re talking to your airline of choice) they claim to help them find a new flight, only to ask for payment information to cover a “service fee,” or a price difference between the old flight and the new one, according to AAA. These fees could amount to hundreds of dollars. 

One patron recently alleged on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he ended up on the phone with a scammer after calling a number listed on Google as Delta Airlines’ phone number. 

With travel up 200% since last summer, according to AAA, and delays and cancellations  plaguing flights around the U.S. due to stormy weather or staffing issues, more customers could be susceptible to this maneuver this year. 

Summer heat could hurt your car batteryHow to extend its lifespan

Here are tips to avoid this trick: 

• If your flight is delayed or canceled while you’re at the airport, speak with a gate agent in person or use the airline’s mobile app.
• If you call the airline about changes to a flight, search their website, not Google, for their toll-free number. 
• Know that an airline will not charge you for a canceled or delayed flight. If a supposed airline agent confronts you for money in those situations over the phone, you’re probably speaking to a scammer. 
• Prior to a trip, download the airline’s app and save their toll-free number on your phone.