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A United Airlines passenger lost more than $17,000 in a scam after contacting the airline’s official customer service number to rebook a canceled flight. The incident raises concerns about vulnerabilities in customer support systems and highlights sophisticated methods scammers are using.
Dan Smoker, from the Denver area, was preparing for an 18-day European trip with his family when he learned that their flight from Denver International Airport to London Heathrow had been canceled. He called United’s official helpline and was first connected to a female agent before being transferred to a male agent named "David." The agent instructed him to make a large payment of $17,328 on his credit card as a down payment for rebooking, assuring him it would be refunded.
After processing the charge, Dan was put on hold. The agent later said the booking could not go through but offered another itinerary via Newark Liberty International Airport. A confirmation email followed, promising a refund by early July. When no refund came, Dan posted about the experience on social media.
