Officials with the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) are warning the public about a phone scam in which callers are spoofing the airport’s number and offering fraudulent promotions, including free airline tickets.
According to an announcement made by GPT, scammers have cloned the airport’s main phone number and are placing calls that appear to originate from the airport. Some of the calls reportedly offer free airline tickets or other travel-related prizes.
“These calls are not legitimate and are not associated with Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport or any of our airline partners,” a statement reads. “The airport does not make unsolicited calls offering free airline tickets, prizes, or travel promotions.”
Anyone who receives one of these calls is urged to avoid providing any personal, financial, or payment information and hang up immediately. Individuals may be asked, in addition to providing personal information, to press buttons using their phone’s keypad, follow instructions provided by the caller, or return calls to a different number share during the scam. Fraudulent calls can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission.
GPT officials said they are actively working to address the issue.