Protect Yourself from Online Travel Scams

Barkley Regional Airport encourages community members to remain aware of a growing online scam that often involves promises of travel, airline tickets, and in-person meetings.

Across the country, scammers are using social media, dating websites, messaging apps, and other online platforms to build relationships with unsuspecting individuals, often impersonating someone else. In many cases, these scammers spend weeks or even months gaining a person’s trust before claiming they need financial assistance to purchase an airline ticket or cover travel expenses for a planned visit. In these cases, the promised trip never happened.

While these scams occur nationwide, Barkley Regional Airport has become aware of incidents affecting individuals in our own community. Victims are often convinced they are helping a friend, romantic partner, military service member, or business contact travel to meet them in person. Once money is sent, communication frequently stops, or additional requests for money follow.

Common Warning Signs

Use caution when communicating with someone met online:

• Requests money for airline tickets, travel expenses, visas, or transportation.
• Claims they are stranded and need emergency travel funds.
• Refuses video calls or repeatedly avoids in-person meetings.
• Creates a sense of urgency and pressure to send money quickly.
• Requests payment through gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer payment apps.
• Has a story that frequently changes or contains inconsistencies.

How to Protect Yourself

Before sending money to anyone you have only met online:

• Verify their identity through trusted sources.
• Discuss the situation with a trusted friend or family member.
• Be skeptical of requests involving urgent travel plans.
• Never send money simply because someone claims they need help purchasing a plane ticket.
• Remember that legitimate airlines and airports do not request payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.

If you are unsure whether a situation is legitimate, take time to research the request and seek advice.

If You Believe You Have Been Targeted

If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, act quickly. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises those impacted to contact their bank or credit card provider immediately to report any unauthorized transactions and secure their accounts. Change passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised and monitor financial statements for suspicious activity.

Victims should also report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and contact local law enforcement. If personal information such as a Social Security number has been compromised, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report and monitoring your credit activity for signs of identity theft.

The faster you act, the better your chances of limiting financial losses and protecting your personal information.

A Community Reminder

Barkley Regional Airport’s mission extends beyond connecting the region to destinations around the world. We are committed to supporting a safe, informed, and resilient community.

Scammers rely on secrecy and isolation; awareness is one of the most effective tools for preventing fraud. Sharing information and engaging in conversations with friends, family, and neighbors can help community members protect one another from becoming victims. If this information prevents even one individual from becoming a victim, it has served its purpose.