Flight Change Scam Alert: How a Fake Air Canada Site Stole $A851

• Travel Scams
• Airline Fraud
• Consumer Protection

An Australian traveller was scammed trying to change her Air Canada flight. Learn how this common trick works and how to protect yourself when booking online.

A Costly Lesson in Travel Scams

Imagine trying to change your flight, paying the required surcharge, and then finding out your ticket has been cancelled — all because the number you called wasn’t actually Air Canada. That’s exactly what happened to a young Australian traveller recently, and the story is a warning to all of us.

How the Scam Happened

The traveller had purchased a return ticket with Air Canada and needed to change the flight date. She Googled the airline and called what looked like an official contact number. The number connected her with a scammer posing as an Air Canada representative.

The scammer quoted her:

• $C752 (≈ $A851) for the flight change
• $C290 for the fare difference

She paid the full amount over the phone, believing the transaction was legitimate. But instead of processing the payment through Air Canada, the scammer attempted to use a stolen credit card to cover the actual airline fee of $C500 — planning to keep the rest.

How the Airline Responded

When Air Canada’s systems flagged the stolen card, the transaction was blocked and — without any notice to the passenger — her flight booking was cancelled.

Adding insult to injury, Air Canada refused to reinstate the ticket or refund the lost booking. They told the traveller to contact the insurance provider she purchased through their website, but the insurer rejected the claim, stating the cancellation by the airline invalidated the policy.

The Cost of Misplaced Trust

In total, the scammer stole over $A1,000, and the traveller was left with no flight and no compensation. This isn’t just a financial blow — it’s a devastating experience for any traveller trying to get home.

How to Spot and Avoid This Type of Scam

• Always use the official website: Go directly to the airline’s website by typing the URL manually — don’t rely on Google ads or search results.
• Watch out for unofficial contact numbers: Fake customer service numbers often appear on scam websites that look identical to the real ones.
• Never provide payment over the phone to an unknown number: Ask to verify the booking via the airline’s secure portal.
• Use secure payment methods: Always use a credit card with fraud protection, and never pay with gift cards or bank transfers.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

• Contact your bank immediately: Report the transaction and attempt to reverse the payment.
• Report the scam: Submit a report to Scamwatch and inform the airline directly.
• Keep all documentation: Record receipts, phone numbers, and conversations to support any insurance or legal claims.

Final Word

As this case shows, scammers are evolving and using increasingly realistic methods to deceive travellers. Even major airlines like Air Canada are being impersonated with alarming accuracy. When it comes to your travel plans, always verify every step — because one phone call could cost you more than just money.