Protect Yourself from Online Travel Scams

Barkley Regional Airport urges residents across the Purchase Region and surrounding communities to remain vigilant against online scams that cause both financial and emotional harm.

Across the country, scammers are using social media platforms, dating websites, messaging apps, and other online channels to build relationships with unsuspecting individuals. In many cases, these criminals 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 an in-person visit. The promised trip never happens.

While these scams occur nationwide, the issue has become personal after local residents have been affected.

“One of the hardest conversations we have is telling someone that the relationship they believed was real was actually part of a scam,” said Dennis Rouleau, Executive Director of Barkley Regional Airport. “These criminals prey on trust, loneliness, kindness, and hope. They spend weeks or even months building relationships with their victims before asking for money, often promising they are finally coming to visit. By the time many people realize the truth, they have lost not only money, but also a relationship they believed was real.”

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 soon 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 before acting.

“We want people to understand that this isn’t about being careless or uninformed,” Rouleau said. “These scammers are professional manipulators. They know exactly what to say and how to gain someone’s confidence. That’s why awareness is so important. If sharing this information helps prevent even one person from becoming a victim, then this effort is worthwhile.”

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 also committed to supporting a safe, informed, and resilient community.

Scammers rely on secrecy, isolation, and emotional manipulation. Awareness remains one of the most effective tools for preventing fraud.

We encourage residents to have conversations with family members, friends, neighbors, and loved ones about online scams and common warning signs. These conversations can help protect those who may be vulnerable and ensure that no one feels embarrassed to seek help if they believe they have been targeted.

If this information prevents even one person from becoming a victim, it has served its purpose.

Individuals who suspect they have been scammed should contact their financial institution immediately, report the incident to law enforcement, and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission.

Together, we can help protect our community from those who seek to exploit trust and kindness for financial gain.