Aussie travellers beware: What you need to know about this alarming new scam before your next trip
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If you’re planning a holiday or even just dreaming of your next getaway, there’s an urgent warning you need to hear before you book those flights.
A new and sophisticated scam is targeting Aussie travellers, and it’s catching out even the most tech-savvy among us.
Here’s what’s happening, how to spot the red flags, and what you can do to protect yourself and your hard-earned money.
Emirates, one of the world’s most trusted airlines, has sounded the alarm after a surge in fraudulent ads began circulating on social media.
These ads are cunningly designed to look like official Emirates promotions, complete with the airline’s branding, logos, and even website lookalikes.
The goal is to trick unsuspecting travellers into handing over personal information or buying fake tickets.
In response, Emirates has taken the extraordinary step of suspending all social media advertising to protect customers.
In an email sent to Australian customers, the airline warned: ‘This is an important notice to alert you regarding these deceptive ads that direct users to purchase fake tickets, share personal information, or click on malicious links.’
The scammers are using every trick in the book. Their ads often promise incredible deals—think first-class flights for a fraction of the usual price, or exclusive memberships that sound too good to be true.
Once you click, you’re taken to a website that looks almost identical to the real Emirates site. From there, you might be asked to enter your credit card details, passport information, or other sensitive data.
In some cases, you’ll even receive a ‘confirmation’ for your fake booking, making the scam seem all the more convincing.
Earlier this year, Emirates customers were targeted with a fake membership offer: 10 first-class flights anywhere in the world for just $300 a year. It sounded too good to be true, but the professional look of the ads fooled many.
Scammers are getting smarter. They use high-quality graphics, copy official branding, and even buy ads on social media platforms to reach a wider audience.
With so many of us used to seeing airline deals pop up in our feeds, it’s easy to let your guard down—especially when you’re excited about a potential bargain.
Source: @EmiratesSupport / X.
Plus, the rise of online booking means we’re all used to entering personal details and payment information on websites. The scammers are counting on this familiarity to lull us into a false sense of security.
Emirates isn’t taking this lying down. The airline is working closely with social media platforms to identify and remove fraudulent ads as quickly as possible—sometimes within minutes.
To further protect customers, Emirates has temporarily suspended all social media advertising. This means that if you see an Emirates ad on Facebook, Instagram, or any other platform in the coming weeks, it’s almost certainly a fake.
Here are some simple steps to keep yourself safe:
1. Always book directly through the official airline website. Type the address into your browser yourself, rather than clicking on links from ads or emails.
2. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. First-class flights for $300? It’s almost certainly a scam.
3. Check the website address carefully. Scammers often use addresses that are just one letter off from the real thing.
4. Look for the padlock symbol in your browser. This indicates a secure connection, but remember, even fake sites can have this, so it’s not a guarantee.
5. Never share personal or payment information unless you’re 100% sure you’re on the official site.
6. If in doubt, contact the airline directly. Use the phone number or email address listed on their official website.
If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a scam, act quickly:
- Contact your bank or credit card provider immediately to block any unauthorised transactions.
- Report the scam to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) via Scamwatch.
- Change your passwords, especially if you used the same one elsewhere.
- Keep an eye on your accounts for any suspicious activity.
Read more: New scam outsmarts security measures—what every Aussie should know
Have you spotted a suspicious travel deal online, or do you have a story to share about a scam you’ve encountered? Your experience could help others avoid falling into the same trap. Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!
A new and sophisticated scam is targeting Aussie travellers, and it’s catching out even the most tech-savvy among us.
Here’s what’s happening, how to spot the red flags, and what you can do to protect yourself and your hard-earned money.
Emirates, one of the world’s most trusted airlines, has sounded the alarm after a surge in fraudulent ads began circulating on social media.
These ads are cunningly designed to look like official Emirates promotions, complete with the airline’s branding, logos, and even website lookalikes.
The goal is to trick unsuspecting travellers into handing over personal information or buying fake tickets.
In response, Emirates has taken the extraordinary step of suspending all social media advertising to protect customers.
Emirates has issued an urgent warning to Aussie travellers after a surge in fraudulent ads online, which are tricking customers into providing personal details and buying fake tickets. Image source: Fabian Joy / Unsplash.
In an email sent to Australian customers, the airline warned: ‘This is an important notice to alert you regarding these deceptive ads that direct users to purchase fake tickets, share personal information, or click on malicious links.’
The scammers are using every trick in the book. Their ads often promise incredible deals—think first-class flights for a fraction of the usual price, or exclusive memberships that sound too good to be true.
Once you click, you’re taken to a website that looks almost identical to the real Emirates site. From there, you might be asked to enter your credit card details, passport information, or other sensitive data.
In some cases, you’ll even receive a ‘confirmation’ for your fake booking, making the scam seem all the more convincing.
Earlier this year, Emirates customers were targeted with a fake membership offer: 10 first-class flights anywhere in the world for just $300 a year. It sounded too good to be true, but the professional look of the ads fooled many.
Scammers are getting smarter. They use high-quality graphics, copy official branding, and even buy ads on social media platforms to reach a wider audience.
With so many of us used to seeing airline deals pop up in our feeds, it’s easy to let your guard down—especially when you’re excited about a potential bargain.
Source: @EmiratesSupport / X.
Plus, the rise of online booking means we’re all used to entering personal details and payment information on websites. The scammers are counting on this familiarity to lull us into a false sense of security.
Emirates isn’t taking this lying down. The airline is working closely with social media platforms to identify and remove fraudulent ads as quickly as possible—sometimes within minutes.
To further protect customers, Emirates has temporarily suspended all social media advertising. This means that if you see an Emirates ad on Facebook, Instagram, or any other platform in the coming weeks, it’s almost certainly a fake.
Here are some simple steps to keep yourself safe:
1. Always book directly through the official airline website. Type the address into your browser yourself, rather than clicking on links from ads or emails.
2. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. First-class flights for $300? It’s almost certainly a scam.
3. Check the website address carefully. Scammers often use addresses that are just one letter off from the real thing.
4. Look for the padlock symbol in your browser. This indicates a secure connection, but remember, even fake sites can have this, so it’s not a guarantee.
5. Never share personal or payment information unless you’re 100% sure you’re on the official site.
6. If in doubt, contact the airline directly. Use the phone number or email address listed on their official website.
If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a scam, act quickly:
- Contact your bank or credit card provider immediately to block any unauthorised transactions.
- Report the scam to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) via Scamwatch.
- Change your passwords, especially if you used the same one elsewhere.
- Keep an eye on your accounts for any suspicious activity.
Read more: New scam outsmarts security measures—what every Aussie should know
Have you spotted a suspicious travel deal online, or do you have a story to share about a scam you’ve encountered? Your experience could help others avoid falling into the same trap. Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!
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