300,000 miles stolen from my Avios BA account
Jan 16, 2017, 11:21 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,181
300,000 miles stolen from my Avios BA account
Today by chance I looked at my BA Executive account and was shocked to see that about 300,000 Avios points had disappeared.
I noticed that the points had been taken out last week for a stay at a hotel in Hungary.
I notified BA who are now investigating.My account will be blocked.
Has this ever happened to others? I find it pretty scary. Fortunately it was only one week ago. I only check my account about twice a year.
I noticed that the points had been taken out last week for a stay at a hotel in Hungary.
I notified BA who are now investigating.My account will be blocked.
Has this ever happened to others? I find it pretty scary. Fortunately it was only one week ago. I only check my account about twice a year.
Jan 17, 2017, 12:31 am
#4
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 41
I'm really sorry to hear this. In addition to what was mentioned before it's also important to keep data such as your booking references and membership numbers safe. A lot of information can be gained just from a thrown away boarding pass, that can lead to fraud.
There was a fantastic talk about airline reservation systems' security recently, related to this, if anyone is interested: https://media.ccc.de/v/33c3-7964-whe...armen_sandiego
There was a fantastic talk about airline reservation systems' security recently, related to this, if anyone is interested: https://media.ccc.de/v/33c3-7964-whe...armen_sandiego
Jan 17, 2017, 12:37 am
#5
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Switzerland
Programs: AY+ Platinum, SK Gold, BAEC Silver, airbaltic VIP, Radisson VIP
Posts: 6,532
There was a fantastic talk about airline reservation systems' security recently, related to this, if anyone is interested: https://media.ccc.de/v/33c3-7964-whe...armen_sandiego
Jan 17, 2017, 1:07 am
#6
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold; FB Silver; SPG; IHG Gold
Posts: 2,985
I was going to say that at least one passenger enjoyed the new BoB product
On a serious note, sorry to hear of the OP's situation, but I do think BA will sort this out eventually.
On a serious note, sorry to hear of the OP's situation, but I do think BA will sort this out eventually.
Jan 17, 2017, 1:39 am
#7
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Wolverhampton
Programs: BA Silver, Hilton Diamond, Marriot Gold, Radisson Gold, Amex Platinum
Posts: 1,608
I'm just wondering about the practicality of doing this. I assume they had your password, allowing them to do the booking.
I know if someone books a reward flight, the total comes off immediately, so easy to spot and stop ahead of time (and leading to someone in handcuffs as they turn up to take the flight). But do hotel bookings not get taken off until after the stay is made? I know Hiltons take their points off at the time of booking, rather than at the time of stay. Is BAEC different?
I know if someone books a reward flight, the total comes off immediately, so easy to spot and stop ahead of time (and leading to someone in handcuffs as they turn up to take the flight). But do hotel bookings not get taken off until after the stay is made? I know Hiltons take their points off at the time of booking, rather than at the time of stay. Is BAEC different?
Jan 17, 2017, 1:52 am
#8
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,850
Jan 17, 2017, 2:16 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Montreux CH
Programs: FB Platinum, M&M FTL, BA Blue
Posts: 11,624
I do hope this gets sorted out. Frequent traveller accounts seem to be particularly prone to this these days. I keep an eye on mine at least twice a week. Watch out for your IHG Rewards accounts too, with their silly 1980s four digit passwords.
Jan 17, 2017, 7:28 am
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,181
Thank you for your responses.
The password came up automatically when I would put the account number. Also all I had to do was write 1 number and the whole account number would come up.
Maybe that is what caused it.
But fortunately I have never had problems with American, Alaska, United and Delta. Touch wood.
The password came up automatically when I would put the account number. Also all I had to do was write 1 number and the whole account number would come up.
Maybe that is what caused it.
But fortunately I have never had problems with American, Alaska, United and Delta. Touch wood.
Jan 17, 2017, 7:35 am
#12
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,850
Jan 17, 2017, 8:45 am
#13
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: OSL
Posts: 2,646
Thank you for your responses.
The password came up automatically when I would put the account number. Also all I had to do was write 1 number and the whole account number would come up.
Maybe that is what caused it.
But fortunately I have never had problems with American, Alaska, United and Delta. Touch wood.
The password came up automatically when I would put the account number. Also all I had to do was write 1 number and the whole account number would come up.
Maybe that is what caused it.
But fortunately I have never had problems with American, Alaska, United and Delta. Touch wood.
Jan 17, 2017, 8:52 am
#14
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Newcastle, UK
Programs: BA Silver, IHG Gold, Hilton Gold, Hertz 5*, Avis Preferred Plus, Amex Plat
Posts: 2,080
Jan 17, 2017, 9:22 am
#15
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Göteborg Sweden
Programs: SPG GOLD / BA GOLD/Club Carlson Gold/AMEX Plat.
Posts: 1,043
Today by chance I looked at my BA Executive account and was shocked to see that about 300,000 Avios points had disappeared.
I noticed that the points had been taken out last week for a stay at a hotel in Hungary.
I notified BA who are now investigating.My account will be blocked.
Has this ever happened to others? I find it pretty scary. Fortunately it was only one week ago. I only check my account about twice a year.
I noticed that the points had been taken out last week for a stay at a hotel in Hungary.
I notified BA who are now investigating.My account will be blocked.
Has this ever happened to others? I find it pretty scary. Fortunately it was only one week ago. I only check my account about twice a year.
Sorry to hear this.. It is scary. This is why I change my password once a month. It may sound a bit on the OCD side but it works for me...I hope that BA will give you back this Avois...Good luck