Summary:
Travelers are falling victim to a clever but damaging scam. They search online for an airline phone number, reach what looks like the official line, and instead connect with a scammer posing as the airline. The results can be devastating: phony fees, canceled tickets, and lost money. Here’s how to recognize the scam and protect yourself.

We are going to post the scammer’s number below, but please do not call these numbers.

Real Stories, Real Losses

One traveler recently tried to cancel her $10,000 business class tickets with American Airlines. She reached a fake number, where the “agent” told her she had to pay a $750 per person cancellation fee. She didn’t want to pay a fee, and then she told me about it. So I called the real AA number and cancelled… without any fee of course.

Another client texted in a panic after “Hawaiian Airlines” told them their tickets were “pending,” that MGA Travel had failed to confirm them, and the price had gone up. They’d just paid $732 to the fraudster. The phone number they had Googled turned out to be flagged online as a known scam.

Here’s what happened when they did a search for Hawaiian Airlines:

Looks legit right? Again, do not call this number! I immediately put it in a Google search, and it came up with this.

So this scammer has been using this number for years, acting as Southwest and even the Social Security Administration. Why isn’t he in jail, anyway?

The good news is that our clients were quick and contacted the credit card company and marked the charges as fraudulent. They got the $732 returned!

These aren’t isolated incidents. Fake phone numbers also target cruise lines and other major travel brands. We’ve heard of people calling Royal Caribbean, after googling their phone number, to pay their final payment, only to find out later their cruise was canceled due to non-payment.

How the Scam Works

• Criminals set up phony customer service numbers and push them to the top of Google search results with ads or fake listings.
• When you call, they answer “Thank you for calling Hawaiian Airlines” (or another brand, or even answer “Customer Service”)
• They’ll claim something is wrong with your booking, then demand an immediate payment to “fix” it.
• Sometimes they even harvest card info or cancel the ticket themselves (which they can do if you told them the record locator).

Screenshot from the real Hawaiian Airlines website contact us page, with the true toll free number:

How to Protect Yourself

• Never Google for an airline number. Go directly to the airline’s official website or mobile app.
• Verify fees. Airlines may charge change or cancel fees, but they won’t demand instant payment by phone with a credit card.
• Check your reservation online. Always confirm through the airline’s official site with your booking code.
• Call your travel advisor. If something doesn’t feel right, your advisor is your direct line to help.

Peace of Mind Through a Trusted Source

When you book through MGA Travel, you don’t have to wonder if you’re calling the right number. We’re your advocate and your safety net: one number, one office, one team you can trust.