Cybersecurity & Fraud Awareness

 

How scams may appear

Scams may appear as emails, WhatsApp messages, social media posts, or advertisements that seem genuine.These may look official but are designed to mislead. They often:

  • Appear to be from official channels but may contain inconsistencies or unusual details
  • Promote fake offers, job opportunities that seem unusually attractive, or customer support
  • Ask you to download apps or access website pages from unknown links
  • Request payments via UPI, QR codes, bank transfers, or digital wallets
  • Messages that ask for immediate action or contain inconsistencies or errors

flight-statusFake Airline Websites / Apps

Fraudulent websites or mobile applications/ APK files impersonate official airline platforms and sell invalid or non-existent tickets

Social Media Ticket ScamsSocial Media Ticket Scams

Scammers advertise heavily discounted tickets on social media platforms and disappear after receiving payment

Unauthorized-Travel-Agent-FraudUnauthorized Travel Agent Fraud

Unauthorized agents issue fake, partially paid, or temporary bookings that are later cancelled

Duplicate-resold-ticketDuplicate / Resold Tickets

The same ticket or booking reference is fraudulently sold to multiple customers

fake-refund-callsFake Refund Calls / Emails

Fraudsters impersonate airline staff and request sensitive information citing refunds redirecting refunds to fraudulent bank accounts

Phishing Emails Phishing Emails / SMS

Fraudulent emails or messages contain malicious links claiming flight refunds or cancellations

PNR MisuseLoyalty Account / PNR Misuse

Unauthorized access to loyalty accounts or leaked PNRs is used to redeem points or modify bookings

fake-holidayFake Holiday Packages, Group Booking, Fake Surveys, Contests & Gift Offers Fraud

Fraudsters offer unrealistic holiday, group travel packages, airline surveys or contests to harvest personal and financial information without making actual reservations

Unauthorized Airport Assistance Unauthorized Airport Assistance / Upgrade Scams

Individuals impersonate airline or airport staff offering paid assistance or upgrades

QR Code–Based/UPI Collect Request

Fraudsters send QR codes that redirect users to fake payment pages/ phishing websites.

Scammers may also trick users into approving UPI collect to process refunds

Remote Access / Screen‑Sharing ScamRemote Access / Screen‑Sharing Scam

Fraudsters ask users to install screen‑sharing or remote‑access apps under the pretext of providing support

AI / Voice‑Cloned Scam CallsAI / Voice‑Cloned Scam Calls

Scammers use AI‑generated voices impersonating airline staff to extract sensitive information

Fake-Airline

 

 

Fake Airline Websites / Apps

Fraudulent websites or mobile applications/ APK files impersonate official airline platforms and sell invalid or non-existent tickets.

Do’s

  • Book tickets only via Air India’s official website/app or authorized partners
  • Verify the website URL and app source before making payment
  •  Download apps only from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
  • Check developer name and user reviews
  • Keep mobile OS and apps updated

Don’ts

  • Do not trust unrealistically low fares or flash deals
  • Do not download airline apps from unknown links or messages
  • Do not install apps/APKs from links on WhatsApp, SMS, email, or social media
  • Do not grant unnecessary permissions (SMS, contacts, screen access)
  • Do not enter payment or login details in unfamiliar apps
Social Media Ticket Scams

 


Social Media Ticket Scams

Scammers advertise heavily discounted tickets on social media platforms and disappear after receiving payment.

Do's

  • Verify all offers through Air India’s official website or verified social media handles
  • Confirm booking status independently after payment

Don'ts

  • Do not make payments through DMs
  • Do not rely on screenshots shared over social media
Unauthorized Travel Agent Fraud

 

 

Unauthorized Travel Agent Fraud

Unauthorized agents issue fake, partially paid, or temporary bookings that are later cancelled.

Dos's

  • Use only Air India-authorized travel agents
  • Verify booking details using Manage Booking feature in Air India website

Don'ts

  • Do not rely solely on screenshots or verbal confirmations
  •  Do not make payments without official receipts

 

Resold Tickets

 

 

Duplicate / Resold Tickets

The same ticket or booking reference is fraudulently sold to multiple customers.

Do's

  • Purchase tickets from official or authorized channels only
  • Cross-check booking status before the date of travel

Dont's

  • Avoid buying tickets from unauthorized resellers or unknown individuals
  • Do not accept forwarded e-tickets without verification

 

Fake Refund Calls

 

Fake Refund Calls / Emails

Fraudsters impersonate airline staff and request sensitive information citing refunds redirecting refunds to fraudulent bank accounts.

Do's

  • Contact Air India customer support using official contact details only
  • Verify refund status through the airline’s website or app
  • Ensure personal and banking details are accurate and secure

Don'ts

  • Never share passwords or OTPs over the calls/ emails
  • Do not share PNR or ticket screenshots with unknown parties
  • Avoid posting booking details on public platforms 
Fake Refund Calls

 

Phishing Emails / SMS

Fraudulent emails or messages contain malicious links claiming flight refunds or cancellations. 

Do's

  • Verify sender email IDs and message content carefully
  • Access booking information from official Air India website URL directly

Don'ts

  • Do not click on unknown or shortened links
  • Do not share personal or financial information via email or SMS
Loyalty Account-PNR Misuse

 

Loyalty Account / PNR Misuse

Unauthorized access to loyalty accounts or leaked PNRs is used to redeem points or modify bookings.

Do's

  • Use strong passwords and enable additional security measures
  • Regularly review loyalty account activity

Don'ts

  • Do not share loyalty credentials or booking references
  • Avoid using public Wi-Fi to access personal accounts
Fake Holiday Packages

 

Fake Holiday Packages, Group Booking, Fake Surveys, Contests & Gift Offers Fraud

Fraudsters offer unrealistic holiday, group travel packages, airline surveys or contests to harvest personal and financial information without making actual reservations

Do's

  • Seek official booking confirmations for flights and hotels
  • Use reputed and authorized travel service providers
  • Participate only in surveys on official airline platforms
  • Cross‑check offers on airline websites or verified social media
  • Read terms and conditions carefully

Don'ts

  • Avoid paying advances without documentation.
  • Do not rely solely on verbal assurances
  •  Do not share card details, CVV, OTP, or UPI info for gifts
  • Do not click prize or lucky‑draw links from messages/emails
  • Do not trust offers just because they use airline logos
Fake Holiday Packages

 

Unauthorized Airport Assistance / Upgrade Scams

Individuals impersonate airline or airport staff offering paid assistance or upgrades.

Do's

  • Use only uniformed and authorized airport service personnel.
  • Confirm upgrades or services through official airline channels

Don'ts

  • Do not hand over luggage, documents, or cash to unauthorized individuals
  • Do not agree to services offered outside official counters
Fake Holiday Packages

 

QR Code–Based/UPI Collect Request 

Fraudsters send QR codes that redirect users to fake payment pages/ phishing websites.

Scammers may also trick users into approving UPI collect to process refunds

Do's

  • Pay only via official airline website/app or authorized agents
  • Carefully verify the payment URL
  • Exit if redirected outside the official airline platform
  • Check refund status only via the airline’s official website/app
  • Reject UPI collect requests

Don'ts

  • Do not scan QR codes from unsolicited messages or calls
  • Do not pay using QR codes sent by unknown persons
  • Do not enter card/UPI details via social media links
  • Do not approve UPI collect/receive-money requests for refunds
Fake Holiday Packages

 

Remote Access / Screen‑Sharing Scam

Fraudsters ask users to install screen‑sharing or remote‑access apps under the pretext of providing support.

Do's

  • Disconnect calls asking for remote access
  • Contact airline support only using official contacts
  • Keep strict control over app permissions

Don'ts

  • Do not install AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or similar apps for airline help
  • Do not allow screen viewing or control
  • Do not share OTPs, passwords, or banking details
Fake Holiday Packages

 

AI / Voice‑Cloned Scam Calls

Scammers use AI‑generated voices impersonating airline staff to extract sensitive information.

Do's

  • Be cautious with unsolicited calls claiming to be airline staff
  • Call back using official airline numbers
  • End calls asking for sensitive details

Don'ts

  • Do not trust callers based only on professionalism or familiarity
  • Do not share OTPs, booking details, card info, or passwords
  • Do not follow instructions during pressure‑based calls