"Airlines Battle Surge in Loyalty Program Fraud"

According to security researchers at Group-IB, cyber fraudsters have been observed increasingly exploiting vulnerabilities in air miles and customer service systems across the EU, the UK, and the US.  The researchers noted that in 2022 alone, cases of loyalty fraud surged by 30%, impacting more than 75 airlines and involving over 2000 malicious resources.  The researchers stated that one common tactic employed by fraudsters is the customer service scam.  Scammers impersonate airlines’ customer service through fake phone numbers.  They lure victims into calling these numbers, often shared via various platforms, under the guise of booking flights or claiming refunds.  The researchers noted that unsuspecting victims end up divulging their banking information, including credit card details.  Fraudsters may even attempt to install remote access Trojans (RATs) on victims’ devices, potentially gaining control over sensitive data.  Fraudsters have also been observed employing tactics like phishing websites, promising victims enticing rewards or prizes.

Infosecurity reports: "Airlines Battle Surge in Loyalty Program Fraud"