A new scam has been spotted, with fraudsters now pretending to help British Airways customers with lost luggage.
Some who were using their social media accounts to inquire about lost luggage were receiving responses from fake accounts. These accounts were reportedly trying to get BA customers to part with money in order to get their lost luggage back.
This is not how British Airways operates, as they will not charge you for recovering missing luggage. They also do not ask for personal information or details through social media, reports the Mirror.
Responding to the news of the scam, travel expert Simon Calder tweeted: "British Airways passengers targeted in baggage scam using Twitter.
"Villains told travellers to wire money to recover misrouted baggage. BA and other airlines don't do this. Never send personal information to an organisation that doesn't have a blue tick."
Passengers were taking to Twitter to raise issues over lost luggage or delayed refunds with the airline's official Twitter channel @British_Airways about their issues.
fake account @CareBritish was responding, asking them for personal details and requesting payment to get their luggage sent back, according to a report from the Independent. The account has subsequently been suspended.
If you're being asked for personal details or to part with cash, it's best to then get in touch with an airline direct, for example via their official website, or calling up their customer service line.
If you are trying to get in contact and want to use social media, make sure you're dealing with verified accounts - this can be checked by identifying the blue tick next to the account's name.
Of course lost luggage can be a frustrating situation - we've got an explainer on what happens when your bags go missing, including your right to compensation.
Brits are still being warned over common holiday scams, and not just for the summer holidays. In fact, Jet2 recently issued a warning for holidaymakers over a Covid test scam.
The budget airline said that scammers were taking advantage of lingering coronavirus testing rules which require passengers to take a PCR or lateral flow to enter some countries.
In a tweet, Jet2 warned: "Important reminder. Only contact us using the methods shown on the Contact Us pages on the Jet2 and Jet2holidays websites.
"Do not purchase any form of Jet2.com or Jet2holidays credit notes via social media as they are unlikely to be honoured. Always check company telephone numbers and documentation.
"Scammers may pretend to be a legitimate company. We do not call from 0203 numbers. You should only book Jet2 flights or Jet2 holidays directly with us or through one of our approved ABTA registered Trade Partners.
"We would never ask you to pay money directly into an individual’s private bank account."
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