Facebook Scam Targeting Qantas Flyers

Qantas warns Facebook users of a new scam that offers them a chance to win a $1,500 travel voucher in exchange for personal information.

Facebook users are being advised to avoid any contests offering free travel from Qantas. The Australian airline has been subject to a phishing scam recently running through Facebook, one that’s offering users a chance to win free travel.

The Courier-Mail reports that the scam lures Facebook users through an “enter-to-win” promotion, with a grand prize of a travel voucher valued at $1,500. All the user has to do in order to enter is “Like” the contest, enter their personal information, and share the contest with their Facebook friends. The promotion is purported to celebrate Qantas’ birthday, even though the airline was founded in November.

“Our campaigns are always run from our authenticated Facebook page — identified by its authorized blue tick, or through the official Qantas website,” an unidentified airline spokesperson told The Courier-Mail. “If unsure, we encourage you to get in touch with Qantas to confirm before divulging any information.”

This latest hoax marks the second time in the past year that Qantas flyers have been targeted. In June, they were victims of an automated phone scam, which was also offering travel rewards in exchange for personal information. Qantas was quick to clarify that they do not use automated phone systems to contact customers about bookings.

Qantas is reportedly working with Facebook in order to remove the scam pages, which is similar to ones that targeted Jetstar Airways and Southwest Airlines flyers through social media in recent years.

Those who may have clicked on the scam links are advised to monitor their personal information and accounts for signs of fraud. More information can be found at OnGuardOnline.gov and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s SCAMwatch website.

[Photo: iStock]