Users on social networks are warning those who have flown or plan to fly on AirAsia airlines, which are very popular in Asia, about possible cases of fraud and recommend using virtual cards and blocking cards that have already been used.
Bank card information is used for purchases in Europe and JAV
One of the users of the social network Reddit shared information about the fact that a virtual bank card, which was used only for purchases on the AirAsia airline application, was used for purchases at Walmart in the United States a few months later.
The post got a lot of attention on the social network: "I had the same experience a few months ago with a card that had only ever been used with AirAsia, within days I received payment requests from a bunch of random European travel companies," wrote one user.
"The same thing happened to me. I'm currently in Thailand, I've booked an extra bag from Bangkok to Chiang Mai via the AirAsia app. A day later I got a bunch of payments on my card," another user writes.
Most of those affected used their bank cards at different locations, but some of the complainants had created virtual cards that they only used for purchases on these airlines, which they believe is the fault of AirAsia.
A Lithuanian is among the victims
According to the State Data Agency, 2022 thousand people used the services of travel agencies and organizers in 493,6. Lithuanian residents, and trips to Asian countries, where AirAsia has a significant market share, are becoming more and more common for Lithuanians.
Erik Murin, a Lithuanian who used AirAsia's services, shares his experience: "I bought flights on these airlines several times back in October. I don't remember if I bought in the app or on their website, but a few weeks later, one of the crypto companies made a lot of purchases of 85 euros. I have only used this card for Netflix, Spotify, Amazon and other trusted companies. It's true that I also bought AirAsia flights with this card, so judging by the reports of other users, it is realistic that my card details were stolen there.
Lietuvis encourages travelers who plan to use these airlines to use one-time virtual cards, and for those who have already purchased flights, to block the card.
This is not the first time AirAsia has faced security issues
AirAsia, which offers flights to more than 150 different airports, has as much as 36 percent. Malaysia, 19 percent. Thailand, 10 percent. Philippines and 5 percent Indonesia travel markets. It is true that recently these airlines often face cyber security problems.
Even in 2022, even 5 million were leaked. AirAsia users' personal data, and in 2024 December 2 Thai media reported on a problem with AirAsia's MOVE Thailand app, which allowed users to purchase non-existent flight tickets and simply lose money. At that time, representatives of the AirAsia airline blamed the developers of the app, but did not offer a solution to the problem.
The origin of the current issues is unknown, but social media users suspect vulnerabilities in the AirAsia MOVE app itself or the billing system used by AirAsia.
