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Travelers are falling for fake airline agents and losing big money

• The scam: A traveler lost $12,000 after calling a fake airline customer service number found through a Google search.

• How it works: Scammers use fake sponsored ads that look official, especially during flight delays and schedule changes.

• How to avoid it: Use the airlines app or official website directly and never pay huge fees to fix a flight.

According to a recent report from The Wall Street Journal, a seasoned traveler lost more than $12,000 after falling for a surprisingly simple scam tied to a routine flight change.

The mistake? He contacted a scammer posing as an airline customer service representative.

This type of scam is exploding right now, especially as airlines deal with delays and schedule changes. Scammers know many travelers (even experienced travelers) are stressed and in a hurry, and they use that against you.

Heres what actually happened, and how to make sure it doesnt happen to you.

What went wrong

After getting a real email from Lufthansa about a flight change, the traveler tried to rebook, but the link didnt work.

So, he did what most people would do in this situation. He simply Googled the airlines customer service department and called the first number that popped up.

Thats where things fell apart.

Scammers had placed fake sponsored ads on Google that appeared at the top of the page, before the actual Lufthansa link.

Theylookvery similar to theofficial airline link,so he clicked on it. He thencalled the phone numberand spoke to someone pretending to be a real Lufthansa agent.

They then did the following:

• Asked for his confirmation number
• Offered to fix the flight
• Charged him over $12,000 for the change

The worst part was that he was told that the money would be refunded, but it wasnt.

Because he actually authorized the charge, getting the money back has been a long, uphill battle.

Why this scam works so well

This isnt just a random phishing email. Its specifically targeted toward travelers in a hurry.

Scammers rely on:

• Urgency (your flight is changing, act now)
• Trust (it looks like a real airline phone number)
• Convenience (you just click the first result)

And with AI and better fake websites, its getting harder to tell whats real.

How to protect yourself (starting now)

1. Never Google airline phone numbers in a rush

Its important to realize that sponsored search results can be fake. Instead, do this:

• Use the airlines official app
• Go directly to the airlines website (type it in yourself)
• Save customer service phone numbers in your phone ahead of trips

2. Dont trust inbound linksgo direct

Even if the email looks real:

• Dont click the link if something feels off
• Open a new browser and go to the airline site yourself
• Log in and manage your booking there

3. Know what airlines actually charge

Major red flag:

• Huge fees for basic changes
• Pressure to pay immediately

In many cases, schedule changes are:

• Free to fix
• Eligible for rebooking or refunds

If someone asks for thousands of dollars, stop immediately.

4. Double-check email domains and confirmations

Look closely at:

• Email addresses (not just the name)
• Confirmation details
• Payment descriptions

Even small differences can signal a scam.

5. Slow downthis is your biggest advantage

Scammers win when you panic and you rush your decision because you're worried about being stranded at the airport.

Always take the couple minutes required to:

• Verify the source
• Cross-check contact info
• Think through the request

That pause alone can potentially save you thousands of dollars and potential major headaches.

The authorization allows the products to be marketed to adults aged 21 and older

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The FDA has authorized four new electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) products for sale in the U.S., bringing the total number of authorized vaping products to 45.

• The newly approved products include fruit- and menthol-flavored e-cigarettes made by Los Angeles-based Glas.

• Public health advocates criticized the move, warning the products could increase youth vaping despite FDA safeguards.

During the first Trump administration, health officials cracked down on vaping, especially flavored vapes popular with teenagers. In the second administration, officials are taking a different tack.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded the number of legally marketed vaping products in the United States by authorizing four new electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) products from vape manufacturer Glas.

The agency said the authorization allows the products to be marketed to adults aged 21 and older after determining that the products met the legal standard of being appropriate for the protection of public health. The FDA stressed that the authorization applies only to the specific Glas products reviewed and does not represent a blanket approval for other vaping products made by the company.

With the latest decision, the FDA has now authorized 45 ENDS products for sale in the U.S. The authorized products are currently the only vaping products that may be legally marketed nationwide under FDA rules.

Age-verification tech

According to the FDA, the newly authorized products include mango, blueberry, and menthol-flavored vaping products. The agency'sreview found that age-restriction technology and marketing limitations could help reduce youth access to the products. The system requires users to verify their age with government-issued identification and pair the vaping device with a smartphone using Bluetooth technology.

FDA officials described the technology as a potential breakthrough in limiting underage vaping. Bret Koplow, acting director of the FDAs Center for Tobacco Products, said device access restrictions are a potential game changer in helping prevent youth use.

The decision marks the first time the FDA has authorized fruit-flavored vaping products, signaling a significant shift in the agencys approach to regulating flavored e-cigarettes. In previous years, the FDA rejected more than one million flavored vaping products because of concerns that they appealed to teenagers.

Pushback from anti-tobacco groups

The authorization immediately drew criticism from anti-tobacco groups. Theywarned that this could reverse the progress our nation has made in reducing youth e-cigarette use.

Public health organizations also urged the FDA to closely monitor how the products are marketed and used.

The FDA emphasized that no tobacco product is safe and warned that people who do not currently use tobacco products should not start. The agency also said it will continue enforcement efforts against unauthorized vaping products, including operations targeting illegal imports and retailers selling products that appeal to youth.

Food giant bets consumers want restaurant-style flavors at home, as demand grows for premium sauces and global tastes

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Nestl USA is entering the fast-growing condiment market with a new line of premium sauces aimed at home cooks seeking restaurant-style flavors.

• The company is leveraging the 75-year legacy of its Minors foodservice brand to compete in a category expected to exceed $41 billion by 2030.

• The launch reflects broader consumer trends toward eating at home, experimenting with global flavors, and seeking cleaner-label products.

With rising costs for gasoline and other everyday essentials, consumers may eat at restaurants less frequently. But Nestl USA says Americans dont have to miss out on some of the exotic flavors provided by restaurant meals.

The company said it is bringing one of its longtime professional kitchen brands into consumers homes, as the food giant pushes deeper into the premium condiment business. It has announced the launch of Minors Kitchen, a new line of chef-inspired sauces designed for home cooks looking to recreate restaurant-quality meals.

The move marks Nestls first entry into the U.S. at-home condiment category, an increasingly competitive market driven by consumers seeking convenience, bold flavors, and upgraded pantry staples.

Long-time sauce manufacturer

The new line draws on the heritage of Minors, a foodservice brand that has supplied sauces, stocks, and culinary bases to restaurants and institutional kitchens for more than 75 years. Nestl executives say the company saw an opportunity to bring that culinary reputation directly to consumers.

Todays home cooks are demanding more complex flavor profiles and rich textures in their meals, Nelson Pea, president of Nestl USAs Global Culinary Kitchen, said in the announcement.

The rollout includes four flavors:

• Lemon Garlic Aioli

• Creamy Korean BBQ

• Spicy Chili Truffle

• American Smokehouse

The sauces are intended for use as dips, marinades, spreads, and finishing sauces, reflecting the growing popularity of versatile condiments that can quickly elevate simple meals.

In step with emerging food trends

Industry analysts say the launch aligns with several powerful food trends. Consumers continue to cook at home more frequently because of restaurant inflation, while younger shoppers increasingly seek globally inspired flavors and premium ingredients. According to a Morning Consult survey commissioned by Nestl, nearly 80% of Americans use condiments, dips, or sauces weekly.

Nestl is also positioning the products within the growing clean-label movement. The sauces contain no artificial colors, high-fructose corn syrup, or artificial flavors, an increasingly important selling point as consumers scrutinize ingredient lists more closely.

The condiment category has become one of the hottest battlegrounds in packaged foods, with companies racing to introduce globally influenced sauces and premium offerings that promise restaurant-quality experiences at home.

The authorization allows the products to be marketed to adults aged 21 and older

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The FDA has authorized four new electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) products for sale in the U.S., bringing the total number of authorized vaping products to 45.

• The newly approved products include fruit- and menthol-flavored e-cigarettes made by Los Angeles-based Glas.

• Public health advocates criticized the move, warning the products could increase youth vaping despite FDA safeguards.

During the first Trump administration, health officials cracked down on vaping, especially flavored vapes popular with teenagers. In the second administration, officials are taking a different tack.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has expanded the number of legally marketed vaping products in the United States by authorizing four new electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) products from vape manufacturer Glas.

The agency said the authorization allows the products to be marketed to adults aged 21 and older after determining that the products met the legal standard of being appropriate for the protection of public health. The FDA stressed that the authorization applies only to the specific Glas products reviewed and does not represent a blanket approval for other vaping products made by the company.

With the latest decision, the FDA has now authorized 45 ENDS products for sale in the U.S. The authorized products are currently the only vaping products that may be legally marketed nationwide under FDA rules.

Age-verification tech

According to the FDA, the newly authorized products include mango, blueberry and menthol-flavored vaping products. The agency said its review found that age-restriction technology and marketing limitations could help reduce youth access to the products. The system requires users to verify their age with government-issued identification and pair the vaping device with a smartphone using Bluetooth technology.

FDA officials described the technology as a potential breakthrough in limiting underage vaping. Bret Koplow, acting director of the FDAs Center for Tobacco Products, said device access restrictions are a potential game changer in helping prevent youth use.

The decision marks the first time the FDA has authorized fruit-flavored vaping products, signaling a significant shift in the agencys approach to regulating flavored e-cigarettes. In previous years, the FDA rejected more than one million flavored vaping products because of concerns that they appealed to teenagers.

Pushback from anti-tobacco groups

The authorization immediately drew criticism from anti-tobacco groups, that warned the move puts at risk the progress our nation has made in reducing youth e-cigarette use.

Public health organizations also urged the FDA to closely monitor how the products are marketed and used.

The FDA emphasized that no tobacco product is safe and warned that people who do not currently use tobacco products should not start. The agency also said it will continue enforcement efforts against unauthorized vaping products, including operations targeting illegal imports and retailers selling products that appeal to youth.

Most industry experts dont expect a return to normal in 2026

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Airlines around the world are cutting flights, adding fuel surcharges, and raising fares as jet fuel prices surge and supplies tighten.

• Travelers are facing higher ticket costs, fewer available seats, more schedule changes, and an increased risk of cancellations on some international routes.

• Industry analysts warn the disruptions could continue through the busy summer travel season if fuel markets remain unstable.

The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran war has affected some petroleum products more than others. Its impacted jet fuel the most, since so much of the fuel is refined in the Persian Gulf region.

As a result, global airlines are scrambling to adapt to a sharp increase in jet fuel prices and growing concerns about fuel shortages, a crisis that is already reshaping travel plans for millions of passengers.

The aviation industry has been hit by a combination of geopolitical tensions, supply disruptions, and rising oil prices that have pushed jet fuel costs to multi-year highs. Fuel is one of the airlines biggest expenses, and the last two months have made it even bigger. Jet fuel has become significantly more expensive in recent months, forcing carriers to rethink schedules, pricing, and even long-term fleet strategies.

Thousands of flights have been cut

Major airlines, including Lufthansa, United Airlines, Air France-KLM, and several Asian carriers, have reduced flights or trimmed capacity for the summer season. Lufthansa alone has cut thousands of short-haul flights, while United has warned it may reduce additional capacity if fuel costs remain elevated.

Industry data firm Cirium reported that airlines worldwide removed more than 75,000 flights from schedules over a recent 10-day period, eliminating millions of seats from the market.

Some airlines are also relying heavily on fuel hedging financial contracts that lock in fuel prices in advance to soften the blow. European carriers such as Lufthansa and Wizz Air entered 2026 with significant portions of their fuel needs hedged, helping shield them from the full impact of the spike. Many U.S. airlines, however, had reduced hedging strategies in recent years and are now more exposed to volatile fuel prices.

Others are accelerating the retirement of older, less fuel-efficient aircraftswhile prioritizing newer jets that consume less fuel. Airlines are also consolidating routes, reducing flight frequencies, and shifting aircrafts to more profitable destinations.

The effect on travelers

For travelers, the effects are becoming increasingly visible.

Airfares are rising across both domestic and international marketsas carriers attempt to pass higher operating costs on to consumers. Analysts estimate fares could climb between 5% and 10% in some markets, with additional baggage fees and fuel surcharges becoming more common. Virgin Atlantic, for example, recently added fuel surcharges to some tickets.

Passengers are also encountering reduced flexibility as airlines shrink schedules. Fewer flights mean fewer available seats and less room for rebooking when disruptions occur. Some experts warn that if fuel shortages worsen, especially in Europe and parts of Asia, airlines may be forced to cancel additional flights during peak summer travel months.

Travelers booking international vacations may face the greatest uncertainty. Industry analysts say long-haul flights are particularly vulnerable because they consume more fuel and are more expensive to operate. Airports in some regions have already begun rationing jet fuel supplies, and airlines are taking extra fuel onboard where possible a practice known as tankering.

Budget airlines are under especially intense pressure because their business models depend on keeping fares low. Spirit Airlines recently ceased operations after years of financial struggles worsened with rising fuel costs and weak demand.

Conditions maynot improve anytime soon

This situation, unfortunately, will not end with the end of hostilities. Even if hostilities in the Middle East ended tomorrow, jet fuel supplies and prices would not return to normal immediately. Aviation fuel markets tend to lag behind geopolitical events because refining, shipping, and inventory systems take time to stabilize.

Industry analysts generally estimate three phases of recovery:

1. Immediate market reaction: Days to two weeks. Oil and jet fuel futures would likely fall quickly once markets believed the conflict was truly over and shipping routes were secure. Airlines and fuel traders often react within hours to ceasefires or diplomatic agreements. Ticket prices, however, usually do not decline as fast because airlines hedge fuel purchases months in advance.

2. Physical supply normalization:One to three months. This is the critical timeline for jet fuel itself. Refineries would need time to:

• Restore disrupted production

• Rebuild inventories

• Reposition tanker shipments

• Clear port bottlenecks, and

• Resume normal export schedules.

Jet fuel inventories at major hubs in Europe and Asia are currently tighter than normal, so replenishing storage tanks would likely take several weeks even after crude oil supplies stabilize.

3. Airline operational recovery: Three to six months. Airlines cannot instantly restore canceled routes or rebuild schedules. Aircraft and crews are often reassigned, and carriers sell seats months ahead. Some capacity cuts would persist through at least one booking cycle. Airlines would also wait to see whether lower fuel prices were durable before reducing fares significantly.

For travelers, that means that fuel surcharges could remain in place for months and airfares would probably decline gradually, not suddenly.