Carnival Cruise Line Passengers Targeted by Sophisticated Scam

Cruise passengers, particularly passengers booked with Carnival Cruise Line, are being warned of a crafty scam designed to steal personal and financial information. Scammers are posing as official Carnival representatives, contacting passengers through emails, fake online ads, and even phone calls. Their goal? To convince unsuspecting customers to hand over credit card details under the guise of paying urgent fees to avoid cruise cancellations.

The scammers are using increasingly convincing tactics, including spoofing technology that makes it appear as if calls are coming directly from “Carnival Corporation.” They claim that new fees, such as electronic travel authorisation charges or port fees for destinations like Santorini and Mexico, need immediate payment. To further pressure victims, they warn that failure to pay could result in the cancellation of their cruise, risking thousands of dollars in booking costs.

What Makes This Scam So Effective?

1. Spoofed Phone Numbers: Scammers are able to mask their phone numbers to make it look like an official call from Carnival, increasing their credibility.
2. High-Pressure Tactics: Victims report being told they have only a short time to act or risk losing their entire cruise.
3. Lack of Specific Information: While scammers sound convincing, they often lack key booking details, such as the names of linked passengers, dining preferences, or even the specific itinerary.
4. Targeted Emails and Ads: Fake ads on social media and emails direct users to websites that look legitimate, tricking them into calling fake numbers or entering sensitive details.

Recent Victim Stories

One Carnival passenger narrowly avoided falling victim to the scam after seeing an online ad for what appeared to be a Carnival-related service. The ad directed them to call a number, where the scammer demanded $456 for newly implemented fees. Fortunately, the passenger decided to verify the issue through Carnival’s official website and discovered the claim was fake. Carnival resolved the matter for free.

Another victim reported receiving a phone call that appeared to be from Carnival Corporation. The caller demanded payment of $120 for additional fees, claiming the cruise would be cancelled without it. While the amount seemed minor compared to the total cost of the cruise, the victim wisely asked specific booking-related questions, which the scammer could not answer. This raised a red flag, and the victim ended the call before any damage was done.

How to Protect Yourself From Cruise Scams

1. Verify Directly With the Cruise Line: Always use the official website or contact your travel agent for any payment or booking issues. Carnival and other cruise lines will not call to demand payments or threaten cancellations.
2. Be Wary of Unsolicited Calls or Emails: If someone contacts you out of the blue, be sceptical, especially if they ask for payment or sensitive information.
3. Check Contact Information: Ensure the phone number or website you’re using is legitimate. Official websites often have security markers, such as “https://” and verified icons.
4. Ask Detailed Questions: If someone claims to be from a cruise line, ask specific questions they should know, such as your cabin number, dining arrangements, or excursions booked. Scammers often can’t provide these details.
5. Avoid Clicking on Ads or Links: Scammers often use ads on platforms like Facebook or Instagram that promise massive discounts or special offers. If it seems too good to be true, it likely is.

What Carnival Cruise Line Says

Carnival has reiterated that they do not call customers to demand payments or issue threats of cancellation. Guests with outstanding balances will typically receive email reminders or notifications through their travel agent. Carnival’s official website and verified agents are the only reliable sources for payment or booking updates.

The Bigger Picture: Scams in the Travel Industry

This scam targeting Carnival customers is part of a larger trend. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using technology to impersonate legitimate companies. Fake calls, emails, and ads are rampant across the travel industry. One particularly troubling tactic involves scammers asking for not just credit card numbers but also addresses, banking information, and other personal details, which can lead to identity theft.

In one high-profile case, a traveller lost $6,000 after purchasing a cruise deal through a fake website. Another individual reported losing money to a fake eBay listing for a cruise. Both cases highlight the importance of verifying the authenticity of travel deals and companies.

A Final Warning

While the allure of a great cruise deal or quick resolution to a payment issue may tempt you, remember that scammers prey on urgency and fear. If you ever feel pressured to provide information or payment, stop and verify the request through official channels.

Carnival passengers—and all travellers—are reminded to stay vigilant. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and double-check. Scammers may be getting more sophisticated, but staying informed and cautious can help protect you from falling victim to their schemes.

Stay safe, and enjoy your travels!