PAL warns against airline ticket fraud

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Airlines on Wednesday warned the public against the use of airline tickets purchased using counterfeit or unauthorized credit cards through PAL’s online booking facility. In a statement sent to the media, the airline advised passengers to transact only with its ticket offices or duly accredited and reputable travel agencies. PAL called on passengers to be wary of anyone offering unusually big discounts for airline tickets, much more if it is a “buy now, pay later" scheme, and to report such offers. PAL issued the advisory after the National Bureau of Investigation uncovered the use of a counterfeit credit card to purchase PAL tickets online. At least 19 people, including 14 “co-conspirator" ticket buyers, are facing charges for violating Republic Act 8484 (Access Devices Regulations Act). The case is pending before the Chief State Prosecutor’s office. The law punishes the use or possession of counterfeit credit cards. Even mere possession of an airline ticket bought through such cards risks arrest, fines and imprisonment for up to 20 years for the ticket buyer. The NBI probe showed that one of the suspects purchased online 14 round-trip PAL tickets between a provincial point and Manila using a forged credit card. The suspect sold the tickets to the 14 passengers at a big discount, enabling them to travel to Manila on a PAL flight. However, their return tickets were cancelled after PAL got wind of the scam. PAL sought the help of the NBI, which led to the arrest of three suspects. They allegedly instigated the fraudulent deal and conspired with two “go-betweens" and the 14 passengers to defraud PAL of income from the ticket sale. - GMANews.TV