Flight cancelled text scam
These texts say your flight was cancelled and tell you to call a rebooking team. The number goes to a scammer who asks for your card to "rebook" or "refund" you.
How this scam works
Travel stress makes you act fast. The fake agent charges your card for a new ticket that does not exist or collects your details.
Common versions of the message
- A surprise cancellation
- A rebooking number to call
- A refund or voucher offer
What the message looks like
Text from +1 (555) 014-7720
Your flight DL1842 has been cancelled due to a system issue. Call our rebooking team at (555) 014-7720 immediately to secure a new seat and get a $200 refund.
Fictional example based on common, publicly reported scam patterns.
The red flags
- 1
Surprise cancellation: “has been cancelled due to a system issue”
Check your trip in the real airline app
Check your trip in the airline's real app or website before doing anything.
- 2
Call this number: “Call our rebooking team”
The number goes to a scammer, not the airline
The number in the text is not the airline's. Use the number on the airline's official site.
- 3
Refund bait: “$200 refund”
Used to get your card details
Refund offers are bait to get your card details.
What to do
- Do not call the number in the text.
- Open the airline app or type the airline's website yourself to check your flight.
- Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) and delete it.
If you already replied, clicked, or paid
- If you paid or gave card details, call the number on your card right away.
- Check your real booking to make sure it was not changed.
- Change your airline account password if you shared it.
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