Tourists heading to the Middle East warned about scammers impersonating airline support accounts

Travellers heading to the Middle East have been warned of scammers posing as airline support accounts asking for information.

Fraudsters are trying to take advantage of the unfolding chaos in the region on social media, preying on the fears of tourists currently stuck in countries across the area.

Passengers have been trying to contact airlines on social media - but have been warned those responding to such queries are often from unofficial accounts.

Many of these accounts claim to be affiliated with the airlines themselves, and ask travellers for personal details such as names, phone numbers and email addresses.

Airlines have shared warnings online, telling travellers to be aware of these fraudulent behaviours.

Emirates airline posted a warning on X, saying: 'Be wary of imposter accounts.

'Our only official channels are @emirates and @emiratessupport, and can be identified by their gold verification checkmarks. 

'Always double-check before responding. Do not engage with or click on links shared from other accounts.'

Meanwhile Qatar Airways posted on the platform: 'Important: We are aware of fraudulent accounts impersonating Qatar Airways and requesting personal information. 

'Qatar Airways will never ask for passwords, OTPs, banking details, or other sensitive information via social media or direct messages. Please interact only with our verified official channels: qatarairways.com or the Qatar Airways App.'

There are plenty of ways to check if you are engaging with a fraudulent account.

X has checkmarks in blue, gold or grey to confirm if the account is verified.

Alternatively, airlines provide the links to their official social media accounts via their websites, whether that is the official X account or an official support page.

Many fraudulent accounts use similar usernames and often appear to be legitimate, so travellers must be careful - especially if an account reaches out to you, rather than you getting in contact yourself. 

If in any doubt, contact your airline separately yourself via its official website. 

It comes after many travellers are currently stuck in the Middle East following the wave of violence that erupted over the weekend. 

Brits travelling to and within the Middle East are facing severe disruption to their holidays. 

At least 200,000 Brits are estimated to be in the Gulf as air spaces remain closed amid Iran's suicide drone blitz.

Flights to many major hubs across the region have been cancelled or suspended.

It follows US and Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend, which were met with missile attacks from Iran across the region.

The UK Government is planning to evacuate at least 94,000 Brits stuck across the Middle East.