Cebu Pacific cancels flights booked using fraudulent cards

Cebu Pacific said Friday it has canceled bookings that were made using fraudulent credit cards, which were converted to the airline's Travel Funds to resell flights.

In a statement, Cebu Pacific said its investigation determined that certain individuals used stolen or unauthorized credit cards to book Cebu Pacific flights.

It said the flights were converted into Travel Funds, which were then used to illegally resell flights through unauthorized channels.

According to the airline's website, Travel Fund is a virtual wallet used to store the total amount paid for an existing booking. It can be used as payment when booking a new flight or purchasing add-ons.

The company said three individuals were intercepted Thursday at the Caticlan airport and were questioned for the alleged use of fraudulent credit cards to book flights, convert them into travel funds, and then resell it through social media platforms.

Cebu Pacific said the individuals involved were found to be offering Cebu Pacific flights for sale through the following Facebook groups:

• Cebu Pacific Refund
• Cebu Pacific Travel Fund (For Sale)
• Cebu Pacific Air
• Cebu Pacific Piso Fare// Promo Ticket// Low Fare

"Cebu Pacific is coordinating closely with authorities to continue investigating groups engaged in the illegal sale of Cebu Pacific flights on social media platforms and to protect passengers from fraudulent activities," the airline said.

"Passengers affected by the cancelled bookings have been sent notifications and are advised to book new flights through www.cebupacificair.com using a valid and authorized form of payment should they wish to proceed with their travel plans," it added.

Cebu Pacific reminded all passengers to book their flights only through its official website, mobile app, or accredited travel partners to ensure access to the airline's guaranteed lowest fares and legitimate booking services. 

"Passengers are strongly advised against transacting with unauthorized sellers, as doing so may result in invalid or incomplete bookings, additional charges, or disrupted travel plans. Only CEB's official channels and affiliated travel agencies are authorized to sell genuine CEB flights," it said.

The airline said customers who transact through unauthorized channels and agents may not be able to "receive a complete booking and ticket due to incorrect fares," "do online check-in," "rebook," "refund," or "add bags or meals." — VDV, GMA Integrated News