Red Flags for Agents
FRAUD FLAGS
Common Types of Credit Card Fraud:
Fraudsters will contact a travel advisor to book a flight with a stolen credit card. They will make the reservation using the name on the credit card, and then call the airline after the booking is made to change the name on the ticket to their own. By the time the victim notices the charge on their credit card, the fraudster has already enjoyed their free flight. Protect yourself from situations like this by keeping an eye out for the following:
Red Flags:
· Last minute travel requests with departures within 2 weeks
o Last minute air request is a big red flag
o Lack of concern for price or hotel
o One-way travel
o Departures or return trips usually include airports in Moscow
o Travel destinations include Southeast Asia, especially Bali, Phuket and Bangkok
o Additional travel destinations include Europe and the Persian Gulf
· Emergency Travel - Fraudster creates a sense of urgency rushing you through the process to get the sale done quickly
o Stories may involve family member’s “urgent” need to travel or personal need to get to family graduation, or a honeymoon and it all has to be rushed
· Refuses to provide picture of passport
· Fake Referral- claims they found the agency through someone who isn’t in ClientBase
· Social Standing – Prospect claims to be a doctor or minister
· Email is riddled with typos and improper grammar
· Prospect offers multiple credit cards as payment if first card is rejected
· Cardholder is not the passenger
· Address provided is fictitious
· They reach out to you directly, vs through the general contact form on the website and say they “found you”. They are likely trying several advisors’ email addresses to see who helps them.
Best Practices:
· Don’t book just air for anyone who isn’t already a client of Direct Travel or a referral from a known client
· Don’t book any travel (including cruise/package vacation/hotel, etc.) with a departure date within 2 weeks
· Trust your gut, if it seems fishy, it probably is. Er on the side of caution and pass on the business.
Additional Resources: