With the holiday travel season fast approaching, scammers are poised to capitalize on travelers needing help with last-minute flight changes and cancellations. Don’t let  fake customer service derail your trip – or drain your wallet. Here’s a few things you should know to stay ahead of airline call center scams.

Just because an airline customer service helpline number appears at the top of internet search results doesn’t mean it’s legitimate. Fraudulent numbers often surface in search results, and scammers constantly find new ways to make their numbers appear first. To avoid this risk, download your airline’s official app. In addition to providing the airline’s verified 800 number, the app delivers real-time flight notifications and other important updates.

Be on the lookout for red flags, such as aggressive tactics pushing you to buy a ticket immediately because “the price will go up.” And if your flight is canceled, you usually do not need to pay to be rebooked. Any “agent” requesting a credit card to do so is likely after your money, not your flight.

Learn how to spot and avoid scams with AARP Fraud Watch Network™. Suspect a scam? Call our free helpline at 877-908-3360 and talk to one of our fraud specialists about what to do next. 

Need a scam prevention speaker for your group? Send an email to me@aarp.org.