HOW TO PROTECT YOUSELF FROM THE 'DISCOUNTED AIRLINE TICKETS' SCAM
The "Discounted Airline Tickets" scam is a sophisticated social media fraud where scammers advertise heavily discounted airline tickets to lure victims into downloading malicious apps that give them access to banking information and enable unauthorized transactions. Here's how to recognize and avoid this increasingly widespread scam in South Africa:
HOW THE SCAM WORKS
- Social Media Advertising: Scammers post advertisements on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp groups, and other social media platforms offering heavily discounted airline tickets for various airlines.
- Building Trust: The adverts appear professional, often using stolen airline logos and branding to appear legitimate. Prices are set just low enough to be tempting but not so low as to be obviously fraudulent.
- Initial Contact: Victims who respond to the adverts are contacted by the scammers, either through direct messages, WhatsApp, or phone calls.
- The App Download Request: Scammers convince victims to download a mobile app to "access exclusive discounts" or "complete the booking process."
- Malware Installation: The app contains malware that provides scammers with remote access to the victim's phone, including banking apps and sensitive information.
- Unauthorized Transactions: Once installed, the malicious app allows scammers to monitor banking activity, capture credentials, and authorize payments without the victim's knowledge.
- Money Transfer: Funds are transferred from the victim's bank accounts, often in multiple transactions to avoid detection.
RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR
- Airline ticket prices are significantly below market rates from unofficial sources
- Social media adverts from unverified or newly created accounts
- Sellers who insist on using messaging apps instead of official booking platforms
- Requests to download third-party apps for ticket purchases
- No official airline confirmation emails or booking references
- Pressure to "act fast" before the deal expires
- Payment methods that bypass official airline websites
- Apps requesting unnecessary permissions (banking, SMS, contacts)
- Sellers are unwilling to provide verifiable business details
- Generic or unprofessional communication
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
- DO NOT download apps from unknown sources or advertisers!
- Only book airline tickets through official airline websites or verified travel agencies
- Verify travel agency credentials with the Association of Southern African Travel Agents (ASATA)
- Check app permissions carefully before installing anything - legitimate ticket apps should not need access to your banking apps
- Use official airline mobile apps available only from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store
- Never share banking credentials, OTPs, or PINs with anyone
- Be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true
- Research the advertiser before making contact - check reviews and online presence
- Use secure payment methods with buyer protection (credit cards through official channels)
- Keep your phone's security software updated
- Enable multi-factor authentication on banking apps
- Monitor bank statements regularly for unauthorized transactions
REMEMBER!
- Legitimate airlines and travel agencies never require you to download third-party apps for discounted tickets
- Official bookings are always made through verified websites or apps
- Real travel deals can be verified through the airline's official channels
- No legitimate business will pressure you to download apps or make immediate payments
IF YOU HAVE BEEN SCAMMED
- Immediately contact your bank to report unauthorized transactions and freeze affected accounts
- Uninstall the malicious app from your phone immediately
- Change all banking passwords and PINs from a secure device
- Report the scam to SAPS at your local police station and open a case
- Report to your mobile service provider if you downloaded apps from messages
- Document everything - save screenshots of adverts, messages, and transactions
- File a complaint with the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS)
- Consider a factory reset of your phone after backing up legitimate data
- Notify the relevant airline if their branding was misused
- Report the social media account to the platform where you saw the advert
REPORTING CHANNELS
- SAPS Emergency: 10111
- SAPS Crime Stop: 08600 10111
- Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS): 0860 101 248
- Your Bank's Fraud Hotline: Check your bank's official website for the number
- Cybercrime Reporting Portal: www.cybercrime.org.za
MORE LINKS AND INFORMATION
Online Scam: Woman loses R120,000 after downloading app to buy discounted airline tickets
An unsuspecting woman lost R120,000 to a sophisticated scam disguised as a social media advert for discounted airline tickets.
Woman loses R120 000 in airline ticket scam after downloading malware-infested app - LNN - Network News
A social media advert promising discounted flights turned into a costly nightmare when sophisticated hackers hijacked a consumer’s phone and bypassed her biometric security.
www.citizen.co.za
Stay vigilant. Book smart. Fly safe.
Report date: 05 November 2025
