FlySafair fraud warning
FlySafair is urging South Africans to stay alert ahead of Black Friday, warning that scammers are taking full advantage of the rush for holiday travel deals.
The airline warned that criminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods to trick shoppers caught up in the excitement of bargain hunting.
Recent figures from the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) show just how serious the problem has become.
More than 100,000 cyberattacks were recorded on banking accounts in 2024, costing individuals around R1.8 billion.
This is a 86% jump from the previous year, and a sign of how aggressively criminals are targeting digital consumers.
According to FlySafair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kirby Gordon, Black Friday creates the perfect conditions for this kind of activity.
“Time pressure, irresistible discounts, and high transaction volumes make consumers more susceptible to fraud. Criminals know this and use it to their advantage,” he said.
Fraud specialists have long noted that major shopping events cause an annual spike in scams, as people scramble to secure deals or jump onto unfamiliar online platforms.
FlySafair warned that this year’s tactics are more advanced than before, with criminals leaning heavily on new technologies to appear credible.
Many are now using AI-generated deepfake videos, doctored voice notes, and realistic emails to impersonate well-known brands and public figures.
Fake websites that look almost identical to legitimate platforms are also widespread, and fraudsters are increasingly using malicious QR codes and SMS-based scams, or smishing, to lure people into sharing personal information.
FlySafair said one of the easiest ways scammers trick people is by dangling discounts that simply cannot be real.
Criminals create social media pages mimicking the airline and promote deals like unlimited flights for under R100, hoping to harvest both personal details and payment information.
“If an offer feels unrealistic, pause before you click,” Gordon cautioned. He said customers should always confirm deals via FlySafair’s official website, flysafair.co.za.
Alternatively, they can check on its verified social media accounts—@FlySafair on Facebook and X, and @flysafairza on Instagram—each of which displays a blue verification checkmark.
Be vigilant
The airline is also warning about the rapid evolution of phishing scams. Because Black Friday brings a surge of promotional emails, texts, and notifications, fake messages are harder to spot.
Scammers now send convincing courier alerts, account verification requests, and QR codes that lead to fraudulent websites.
FlySafair’s rule of thumb is simple: always check the sender and make sure the URL is spelt exactly as flysafair.co.za. Even the slightest variation is a red flag.
One of the more dangerous techniques involves trying to obtain a Passenger Name Record, or PNR—the code that grants access to a customer’s booking.
Scammers often send messages pretending to be from FlySafair, saying the PNR is needed to “confirm” a flight or “process” a refund.
Gordon stressed that this will never happen. “We will never request your PNR through unsolicited messages,” he said.
Anyone who receives such a request should immediately contact FlySafair directly using official channels.
Social media remains a major risk area. As more consumers shop directly through Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms, fraudsters have moved with them.
Fake ads and unverified influencers regularly advertise unbelievable deals that redirect people to counterfeit booking sites.
FlySafair said customers should avoid clicking on any social media link unless it comes from a verified account.
To help travellers stay safe, the airline has urged customers to take some basic precautions before booking flights.
Always verify that you are on the official FlySafair website, look for blue checkmarks on social media accounts, and take a moment to question any deal that seems too good to be true.
Never share your PNR in response to an unsolicited request, and only enter payment details on secure, encrypted sites.
Most importantly, don’t rush—scammers rely on urgency to catch people off guard. And if you come across anything suspicious, report it immediately so others don’t fall victim.
FlySafair said all legitimate promotions, competitions, and communications can be verified through its website or by contacting the airline’s customer service through the official channels listed on the website.
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