WestJet advises caution

Discounted airfare scam snags conference registrants

CALGARY, March 23, 2015 /CNW/ - WestJet has uncovered a scam involving a deeply discounted airfare offer for registrants of an upcoming conference in the U.S.

While doing routine checks of WestJet's credit card transactions, WestJet fraud investigators discovered a scam advertising return flights for up to 50 per cent lower than fares available through westjet.com. It's estimated as many as 100 conference registrants accepted the offer and paid for airfare only to discover that their ticket was invalid because it was purchased with other individuals' stolen credit cards.  

"This scheme validates the steps we take to monitor transactions in an effort to protect our guests and our company from unscrupulous people," said Alexis Gunderson, WestJet Team Lead, Fraud Investigation. "It also shows that the old adage is more appropriate today than ever before: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. It's important to do your homework before purchasing your flights. The lowest WestJet fares are those advertised on westjet.com, and travellers should avoid suspicious-looking deals advertised elsewhere. Ensure you are getting exactly what you paid for by booking your flights and vacation packages directly with an airline or tour operator, your preferred travel agent or other reputable travel service provider."

WestJet has turned over information regarding this fraud scheme to law enforcement authorities for further investigation.

For more information on how WestJet protects payment information for our guests, please visit http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/travel/basics/fares/credit-card-security.shtml

As part of Fraud Awareness month, WestJet is reminding  Canadians to be vigilant against a variety of scams including those purporting to sell vacations. For more information, visit www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/english/index.html or by calling 1-888-495-8501.

About WestJet
We are proud to be Canada's most-preferred airline, powered by an award-winning culture of care and recognized as one of the country's top employers. We offer scheduled service to more than 90 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. Through our regional airline, WestJet Encore, and with partnerships with airlines representing every major region of the world, we offer our guests more than 120 destinations in more than 20 countries. Leveraging WestJet's extensive network, flight schedule and remarkable guest experience, WestJet Vacations delivers affordable, flexible travel experiences with a variety of accommodation options for every guest. Members of our WestJet Rewards program earn WestJet dollars on flights, vacation packages and more. Our members use WestJet dollars towards the purchase of WestJet flights and vacations packages on any day, at any time, to any WestJet destination with no blackout periods – even on seat sales. For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.  

Recent recognition includes:
2015 Best Employers in Canada (Aon Hewitt)
2014 Interbrand Canada's Best Canadian Brands (Rank #20)
2014 Brands of the Year (Strategy magazine)
2014 Canada's Most Preferred Airline (Ipsos)
2014 Value Airline of the Year (Air Transport World magazine)
2014/2013/2012 Canada's Most Attractive Employer (Randstad)
2014/2013 WestJet RBC MasterCard ranked #1 in Canada (Money Sense magazine and RewardsCanada.ca) 
2013 Highest equity score: airline, vacation package supplier brands (Harris/Decima EquiTrend Study)

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SOURCE WestJet

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