Spike in Qantas impersonation scams puts Australians on alert

Australians are being warned to stay vigilant amid a spike in scams impersonating Qantas, with fraudsters using emails and text messages to steal personal information and money.

Authorities say the scammers are posing as the national airline and contacting people with urgent messages claiming they are entitled to a refund, a gift, or that their Qantas Frequent Flyer points are about to expire. The messages are designed to look legitimate, often using Qantas logos and branding to convince recipients to act quickly.

If the link is clicked, victims are taken to a fake website designed to capture personal details such as passwords, credit card numbers and login information.

Qantas first identified this type of scam in August 2025 and has continued to warn customers about ongoing scam activity. The airline has stressed it will never ask customers for PINs, passwords or one-time security codes via email or text message.

Importantly, you don’t need to be a Qantas customer to be targeted. Anyone can receive these messages, although people who believe their details may have been exposed in a data breach are considered at higher risk.

Consumer protection agencies say there is no shame in being caught out. If you believe you’ve been scammed, you should contact your bank or card provider immediately, change your passwords, and closely monitor accounts for unusual activity. Australians who have had personal information compromised can also contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160 for free support and advice.

Experts urge people to remember three simple steps: Stop, Check and Protect. Don’t rush to act, even if the message sounds urgent. Check directly through the official Qantas app or website – never by clicking links – and act quickly if you think your details have been shared.

Anyone who receives a suspicious message is encouraged to report it to Scamwatch, helping protect others from falling victim.

More information and examples of current scams can be found on Qantas’ dedicated scam awareness page at qantas.com.