The fake helpline you found yourself
Not every scam call starts with them calling you. Sometimes you do the dialling — to a number scammers planted.
Criminals seed the web with fake "customer service" numbers — in forum posts, video descriptions and business listings — so that search results and even AI assistants repeat them as if official. You search for "airline support number", call the top result, and a convincing "agent" asks for your card details, a "verification payment", or remote access to your device.
The trap feels safe because *you* made the call. But where the number came from is what matters.
What to do: take support numbers only from the company's own website (typed by you), the back of your card, or inside the official app — never from search snippets, ads or AI answers.
Threat examples
Thank you for calling support. To verify your booking I'll need your full card number and the security code on the back. There is also a $49 verification fee — we accept payment by gift card.