Shawna LevetIncrease in travel fraud and how to protect your agency
Travel advisors have long been a prime target for fraud, and the problem isn’t slowing down. The ARC (Airlines Reporting Corporation) reports significant increases in booking-related fraud over the past several years. More specifically, there was a 14% increase in fraud for air travel in 2024. At a time when margins matter and every sale feels important, protecting your business has never been more critical.
Fraudsters rely on urgency, distraction, and the goodwill of kind travel agents. When advisors are focused on closing a sale and delivering great service, it’s easy for subtle warning signs to slip by. Staying alert, verifying identities, and securing written authorization from cardholders are essential habits that can save your agency from costly chargebacks and losses.
5 Common Red Flags to Watch For
- Urgent, last-minute bookings
- Fake or questionable websites and email addresses
- Inconsistent phone numbers, addresses, or credit card details
- Little concern about pricing or flight schedules
- Unusual anxiety around payment methods
Let’s break these warning signs down!
1. Last-Minute Booking Requests
Last-minute travel isn’t unusual, especially these days. So you may think nothing of a client reaching out for a quick getaway. This is fine if you’re booking for a client you’ve served in the past. However, caution is warranted when a brand-new client wants to book travel departing within 72 hours. Usually, a new customer will spend some time asking questions, comparing options, and learning about your policies before making a booking. When urgency to book replaces curiosity, it’s definitely a red flag. Do not be pressured into making a quick booking for a client who is anxious to skip formalities.
2. Questionable Websites or Emails
Travel advisors are helpers by nature, which is exactly what fraudsters exploit. It’s common for scammers to pose as teachers, clergy, or medical professionals to lower your guard.
Pay close attention to email domains. Are they using a verified organizational address, such as .edu or .org, or a generic Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook account? Even professional-looking domains should be verified. Recently launched sites can be a warning sign. Visit the website itself and assess whether it appears legitimate and well-established.
3. Inconsistent Phone, Address, or Credit Card Information
Beyond email verification, take time to validate contact and payment details. Reverse phone lookups through sites like Whitepages can help identify VoIP numbers, which are frequently used in scams. Checking caller reports on community forums can also reveal patterns of suspicious activity.
Confirm physical addresses using mapping tools. Does the location match what the client claims? Be cautious with foreign-issued credit cards, and verify issuing banks when possible. Any conflicting information deserves extra scrutiny.
4. Little Interest in Price or Schedule
Most travelers care deeply about either cost, convenience, or both. Some prioritize exact flight times, while others are flexible to save money. When a client shows no real concern for either, it may indicate something is off.
Fraudsters are often focused on speed, not value. Their goal is to complete the transaction before their payment is flagged, which can result in rushed decisions and minimal questions.
5. Anxiety Around Payment
One of the strongest indicators of fraud is heightened sensitivity around payment. Scammers often ask about payment methods early in the conversation and become irritated when verification steps are introduced.
Legitimate clients understand, and often appreciate, that security measures are in place to protect their financial information. Resistance or hostility during this process is a sign to proceed carefully.
Stay Professional While Staying Alert
Caution doesn’t have to mean confrontation. ARC’s advice is simple. Trust, but verify. If a client questions your verification process, explain that these steps are standard protocol designed to protect both parties.
If something doesn’t add up, there’s no need to accuse. Let the client know you were unable to validate the information provided and that you won’t be able to proceed. Be sure to alert your team. Fraudsters often repeat the same communication patterns across agencies.
