News

Fake navigation fees highlighted

Eurocontrol

If you’re flying Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) across Europe, then you’ll be incurring navigation charges with Eurocontrol. But beware, there’s a scam going on. In what’s seems like one of most unlikely frauds, fake invoices purporting to come from Eurocontrol are arriving with aircraft operators.

“It’s a concern. Instead of sending your nav fees payment to Eurocontrol, you’ve actually sent it to a suburb of Lagos,” said Flight Service Bureau (FSB), which works with aircraft operators.

“We’ve seen an increasing variety of bogus emails, that at first glance look like they are from Eurocontrol – but aren’t. Here’s a good example from this week:

fake Eurocontrol email

Fake email being sent out by fraudsters claiming Eurocontrol nav fees.

“You’d be forgiven for glancing over it and responding to request the details of ‘their’ new bank account,” continued FSB. “And that’s where the problem begins. You’ll get a new bank account only it won’t direct your money to Brussels.

“Fortunately, most of these emails are poorly written, and easy enough to identify as bogus but that’s only if you are on your guard. The best solution is to simply be aware of the risk.

FSB suggests examining the sender address. Real emails come from eurocontrol.int Fake ones look similar, but might be something like @eurocontrolinc.com Most of the emails ask for a copy of an invoice or payment – be suspicious when you read that. Be especially alert when the email mentions a change in bank account. Eurocontrol has no plans to change bank accounts any time soon.

FSB’s advice is to write to the real address: [email protected] and ask for confirmation of any message, or call the Route Charges office on +32 2729 3838. It adds, “The most secure way to handle Eurocontrol charges and payments is through their CEFA portal.”

Flight Service Bureau

Share

Leave a Reply

Share

We use cookies to give you the best online experience. Please let us know if you agree to all of these cookies.