Traveling from Australia to Indonesia should be an exciting adventure, filled with the promise of tropical beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. However, a recent report by RISKIFIED has highlighted a concerning trend that could turn holiday dreams into nightmares: flight tickets from Australia to Indonesia are two and a half times more likely to be associated with fraud compared to other destinations.

Nicholas Kirtley, RISKIFIED's Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand, delved deeper into this alarming issue. The statistics are clear: the route between Australia and Indonesia is particularly vulnerable to fraudulent activities, but why is this the case?


Kirtley shared insights into the methods employed by fraudsters that target this popular travel corridor. The scam typically begins with the theft of credit card information. These stolen details are then used to purchase airline tickets, which are subsequently sold, often on the dark web, at prices that may seem too good to be true. Unsuspecting buyers, lured by the prospect of a bargain, snap up these tickets without realising the risk they're taking.


The scam comes to light when these travelers, bags packed and ready for their holiday, arrive at the airport only to discover a devastating truth: their tickets have been canceled. The airline has detected the fraudulent transaction, and the credit card used for the purchase has been reported as stolen. The result? Not only are the travellers left stranded and out of pocket, but they also face the stress and embarrassment of dealing with the fallout from a scam.


So, how can you protect yourself from falling victim to such a scam? Nicholas Kirtley advises travelers to always purchase tickets directly from the airline's official website. While third-party platforms can offer legitimate deals, the safest bet is to book where the authenticity of your purchase is guaranteed. Additionally, he recommends buying tickets well in advance of your departure date. This not only secures your travel plans but also gives you ample time to verify the details and rectify any issues that may arise.

As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the value of your hard-earned money and the importance of safe travel. To ensure your next trip is secure, here are some extra tips:

• Use well-known and reputable travel agencies or booking platforms if you decide not to book directly with the airline.
• Check for secure payment options and look for the padlock symbol in the web address bar before entering any payment details.
• Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, as they often are.
• Keep an eye on your credit card statements for any unusual activity, especially after booking travel.
• Consider travel insurance that covers you for fraud and other travel-related mishaps.

We invite you to share your experiences and tips on avoiding travel scams in the comments below. Have you or someone you know ever encountered a situation like this? How did you deal with it, and what advice would you give to fellow travellers? Your insights could help someone avoid a travel scam and ensure their next journey is nothing but smooth sailing.