Singapore Airlines warns of scams touting free First Class tickets
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Singapore Airlines has warned of contests, emails and calls claiming to be from the company, informing recipients of free air tickets before proceeding to request for their personal data.
“To appear more authentic, such callers are also able to modify their caller ID to imitate our official telephone numbers,” it added on an advisory posted on the Singapore Airlines website.
Over the weekend, one such scam has been circulating on messaging app WhatsApp.
The message read: “Hello, Singapore Airline is giving away 2 Free FirstClass Tickets to celebrate it’s 45th anniversary, Now you can get your tickets too !” followed by a link that closely resembled the airline’s official website.
Upon clicking on the link, people were directed to a website asking them to share the promotion with 20 friends or groups via WhatsApp and enter their address details to claim their tickets.
The scam comes days after Singapore Airlines unveiled its new first class suites, among other cabin offerings on its revamped Airbus 380s.
To verify websites, emails and calls claiming to be from Singapore Airlines, customers can send the airline details via its website, the carrier said in the Facebook post.
“Singapore Airlines also wishes to advise customers to be cautious of social media posts and phishing websites that appear similar to our official website singaporeair.com,” it added.
Questions & Answers
Q.How do these scam calls appear authentic to potential victims?
How do these scam calls appear authentic to potential victims?
Scammers are able to alter their caller ID to mimic Singapore Airlines' official telephone numbers. This makes their calls seem legitimate to those receiving them, adding to the deceptive nature of the scheme.
Q.What information did the scam website ask people to provide?
What information did the scam website ask people to provide?
Upon clicking the link, users were asked to share the promotion with 20 friends or groups via WhatsApp. They were also prompted to enter their address details to claim the supposed free tickets.
Q.What was the purported reason for Singapore Airlines giving away free tickets in the scam message?
What was the purported reason for Singapore Airlines giving away free tickets in the scam message?
The message claimed that Singapore Airlines was giving away two free First Class tickets to celebrate its 45th anniversary. This was used as a lure to entice recipients to click on the fraudulent link.
Q.How can customers verify if a communication claiming to be from Singapore Airlines is genuine?
How can customers verify if a communication claiming to be from Singapore Airlines is genuine?
Customers can send details of suspicious websites, emails, or calls to Singapore Airlines via its official website. The airline advises caution regarding social media posts and phishing websites that look similar to its official site.