Discounted airfare scam snags conference
registrants
CALGARY, March 23, 2015 /CNW/ - WestJet has uncovered
a scam involving a deeply discounted airfare offer for registrants
of an upcoming conference in the U.S.
While doing routine checks of WestJet's credit card
transactions, WestJet fraud investigators discovered a scam
advertising return flights for up to 50 per cent lower than fares
available through westjet.com. It's estimated as many as 100
conference registrants accepted the offer and paid for airfare only
to discover that their ticket was invalid because it was purchased
with other individuals' stolen credit cards.
"This scheme validates the steps we take to monitor transactions
in an effort to protect our guests and our company from
unscrupulous people," said Alexis
Gunderson, WestJet Team Lead, Fraud Investigation. "It also
shows that the old adage is more appropriate today than ever
before: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. It's
important to do your homework before purchasing your flights. The
lowest WestJet fares are those advertised on westjet.com, and
travellers should avoid suspicious-looking deals advertised
elsewhere. Ensure you are getting exactly what you paid for by
booking your flights and vacation packages directly with an airline
or tour operator, your preferred travel agent or other reputable
travel service provider."
WestJet has turned over information regarding this fraud scheme
to law enforcement authorities for further investigation.
For more information on how WestJet protects payment information
for our guests, please visit
http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/travel/basics/fares/credit-card-security.shtml
As part of Fraud Awareness month, WestJet is reminding
Canadians to be vigilant against a variety of scams including those
purporting to sell vacations. For more information, visit
www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/english/index.html or by
calling 1-888-495-8501.
About WestJet
We are proud to be Canada's most-preferred airline, powered by an
award-winning culture of care and recognized as one of the
country's top employers. We offer scheduled service to more than 90
destinations in North America,
Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. Through our regional airline, WestJet
Encore, and with partnerships with airlines representing every
major region of the world, we offer our guests more than 120
destinations in more than 20 countries. Leveraging WestJet's
extensive network, flight schedule and remarkable guest experience,
WestJet Vacations delivers affordable, flexible travel experiences
with a variety of accommodation options for every guest. Members of
our WestJet Rewards program earn WestJet dollars on flights,
vacation packages and more. Our members use WestJet dollars towards
the purchase of WestJet flights and vacations packages on any day,
at any time, to any WestJet destination with no blackout periods –
even on seat sales. For more information about everything WestJet,
please visit westjet.com.
Recent recognition includes:
2015 Best Employers in
Canada (Aon Hewitt)
2014 Interbrand Canada's Best Canadian Brands (Rank #20)
2014 Brands of the Year (Strategy magazine)
2014
Canada's Most Preferred Airline
(Ipsos)
2014 Value Airline of the Year (Air Transport
World magazine)
2014/2013/2012 Canada's Most Attractive Employer
(Randstad)
2014/2013 WestJet RBC MasterCard ranked #1 in
Canada (Money Sense magazine and
RewardsCanada.ca)
2013 Highest equity score: airline, vacation package supplier
brands (Harris/Decima EquiTrend Study)
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SOURCE WestJet