Low-cost airlines have joined forces to minimize fraud targeting travelers, particularly through fake shopping websites. The “Wings Against Fraud” campaign aims to reach all tourist states, including Quintana Roo, to provide greater protection for tourists.
Jackie Kaltschimitt, Director of Public Relations and Corporate Communications for Volaris, emphasized the need to establish links with entities such as the Secretariats of Tourism to expand the campaign’s reach. This will equip more people with the tools to avoid falling for fraudulent websites that mimic legitimate ones.
“We have a problem that has escalated in recent years, and that is fraudulent websites. This is why we decided to unite airlines to launch the campaign, which seeks to educate potential passengers to identify official channels for purchases and thus not lose their savings to travel,” Kaltschimitt explained.
Volaris and VivaAerobus, both low-cost airlines, are promoting this program. Last year, they transported 58 million passengers together, with at least four out of ten complaints related to fraud.
Beach destinations such as Cancun are highly sought after, making them prime targets for scammers who offer fake package deals or cheaper seats. The campaign advises against buying flights through social networks, making bank transfers to pay for tickets, or responding to phone calls offering deals.
“These campaigns are necessary because it is unfair that travelers lose their money and cannot travel due to these frauds,” Kaltschimitt added.
Plans to expand the campaign nationwide are scheduled for next year. In the Mexican Caribbean, prevention campaigns have been promoted to protect tourists from low-priced vacation packages offered by online agencies that turn out to be scams.
The Quintana Roo government has implemented the State Registry of Tourism as a strategy to avoid fraud. This registry allows travelers to verify the legitimacy of agencies, hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and more that operate legally.
Source: Sipse
