South African low-cost airline Mango on Thursday warned South African travellers that fraudsters are offering airline bookings at discounts via SMS and email.
Information indicates that the fraudulent sale of airline tickets is spread across several airlines.
Mango advises all travellers to ensure bookings are made only through direct contact with airlines or authorised travel agencies or outlets, it said.
“It seems the scam operates via an email sales proposition, promising flexible open-ended travel both domestically and internationally.
“During the holiday season we have had several instances where members of the public were defrauded in this way,” said communication manager Hein Kaiser.
“We urge South Africans who intend to travel to ensure that bookings are made only through legitimate channels.”
Kaiser says Mango flights are available through Shoprite, Checkers and Checkers Hyper Moneymarket Kiosks, travel agents, the MyMarket booking platform, its www.fllymango.com website and its call centre.
Travellers making use of other airlines should check respective distribution channels with airlines directly,” he added.
Mango and the South African police are conducting an investigation into the matter.
“However, prevention is the first port of call and we urge South Africans to be aware of this fraudulent activity and book only through legitimate channels, and not to pay airfares into private bank accounts,” Kaiser said. — I-Net Bridge