Free Flight Phone Calls Aren’t Real

By Greg Collier

A phone call promising free airline tickets may sound like a lucky break, but consumer advocates and airport officials say it’s the latest variation of a spoofing scam that’s being reported across the country.

A recent warning issued by Huntsville International Airport underscores how the scheme works and why travelers everywhere should pay attention.

How the Scam Works

Scammers are spoofing legitimate airport phone numbers, making incoming calls appear as though they are coming directly from an airport’s main office. When someone answers, the caller falsely claims the recipient has won free airline tickets and must act quickly to secure them.

Airport officials say the calls can sound polished and convincing, often using official-sounding language and urgent deadlines. That urgency is intentional, as it’s meant to pressure people into sharing information before they stop to question the offer.

Common Tactics Used by the Scammers

Reports describe a consistent pattern:

  • The caller ID shows an airport’s real phone number
  • The caller claims the recipient has “won” free flights
  • The offer is framed as time-sensitive
  • The caller asks for personal or financial information

If the call goes unanswered, scammers may leave a voicemail with a different callback number, steering victims away from contacting the real airport.

What Airports Are Making Clear

Airports are emphasizing that these calls are not legitimate.

Officials note:

  • Airports do not give away airline tickets over the phone
  • They never ask for financial or personal information by phone
  • Any legitimate promotions or giveaways come only from verified, official channels, most often social media

A cold call offering free flights is not a promotion. It’s a warning sign.

If You’ve Been Targeted

Consumer protection agencies recommend the following steps:

  • Hang up immediately
  • Do not engage with the caller or follow instructions
  • Do not return calls to voicemail numbers left by unknown callers
  • Never provide personal or financial information over the phone

Final Thoughts

Airports do not randomly call people to hand out free flights.

If an unexpected call claims to be from an airport, pressures you to act quickly, and asks for personal information, the safest response is to hang up and report it. What sounds like a travel perk is far more likely to be an attempt to exploit trust.

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