Viral Video: Bengaluru Woman Scammed of ₹87,000, How to Avoid Airport Lounge Access App Frauds

A Bengaluru woman recently fell victim to a scam involving an airport lounge access app, losing over ₹87,000. This incident, which occurred on September 29, 2024, highlights the growing concern over cyber crimes at airports. The woman, who has shared her experience in a viral video, urges travelers to be cautious when accessing services through their smartphones.

On the day of the incident, the woman arrived at Kempegowda International Airport well ahead of her flight. She intended to use the airport lounge but did not carry her physical credit cards. Instead, she showed a photo of her card to the lounge staff. They advised her to download an app called ‘Lounge Pass’ for access and instructed her to complete a facial recognition process for security purposes. This step raised some red flags, but feeling fatigued from travel and personal issues, she complied.

After downloading the app and completing the required steps, she opted not to use the lounge and instead went for coffee at Starbucks. Days later, she discovered unauthorized transactions on her credit card statement amounting to ₹87,000. The funds had been transferred to a PhonePe account without her knowledge. Alarmed by this discovery, she reported the fraud to her bank and the cybercrime department.

This scam occurred inside the Bengaluru International Airport, to a person using an IPhone, which I regard as scam proof. Safeguard ur hard-earned money, folks! pic.twitter.com/dOlEg5kGGt

— Dr Jaison Philip. M.S., MCh (@Jasonphilip8) October 22, 2024

The woman suspects that scammers accessed her phone through the Lounge Pass app. They may have set up call forwarding and intercepted one-time passwords (OTPs), allowing them to make unauthorized transactions. Despite using an iPhone, which is generally considered secure, she fell victim to this sophisticated scam.

This incident is not isolated. Cybercrime has been on the rise in Bengaluru, particularly targeting individuals at airports and other public places. Many scams involve social engineering tactics where scammers manipulate victims into revealing sensitive information or downloading malicious apps.

To avoid falling prey to similar scams, travelers should consider the following precautions:

Tips to Avoid Airport Lounge Access App Frauds

1. Verify App Authenticity:

• Always check if an app is officially recognized by the airport or lounge service before downloading it.
• Look for reviews or feedback from other users.

2. Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information:

• Never share personal information or financial details unless you are certain of the recipient’s identity.
• Be wary of requests for screen sharing or facial recognition that seem unnecessary.

3. Use Physical Cards When Possible:

• Carry your physical debit or credit cards instead of relying on digital images.
• Many lounges still require physical cards for access.

4. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly:

• Frequently check your bank statements and transaction history for any unauthorized charges.
• Report any suspicious activity immediately.

5. Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi:

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks when accessing sensitive accounts or making transactions.
• Use a VPN for added security if you must connect.

6. Educate Yourself on Common Scams:

• Stay informed about prevalent scams in your area or industry.
• Awareness can help you recognize potential threats before they escalate.

7. Enable Two-Factor Authentication:

• Use two-factor authentication (2FA) on your banking and financial apps for an extra layer of security.
• This can prevent unauthorized access even if your password is compromised.

8. Report Suspicious Activity:

• If you encounter suspicious behavior at an airport or lounge, report it to security personnel immediately.
• Sharing information can help prevent others from becoming victims.

As cybercriminals become more sophisticated in their tactics, it is crucial for travelers to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their personal information and finances.