In a firm move against online travel fraud, budget carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) has declared that passengers holding tickets purchased with stolen credit cards or through illicit social media sellers will be barred from boarding their flights.
Three Arrested in Boracay for Alleged Fraud
The airline's stern warning, issued on Friday, December 21, 2025, follows the apprehension of three individuals at Boracay Airport just a day earlier, on Thursday. The suspects were allegedly involved in a scheme where they used fraudulent or unauthorized credit cards to book Cebu Pacific flights.
According to the airline's investigation, these illegally purchased tickets were then converted into travel funds. These funds became the currency for an illegal resale operation conducted on various Facebook groups, where the flights were offered to unsuspecting passengers at seemingly discounted rates.
CEB's Direct Warning to Passengers
CEB spokesperson Carmina Romero delivered a clear message in a mix of English and Filipino, emphasizing that the airline does not operate any official Facebook groups for sales. "Don't book your flights there. Book directly through CEB website, app, or credible travel agencies," Romero stated.
She further warned that the airline's systems can identify tickets originating from these fraudulent sources. Even if a passenger is already at the airport gate, they will not be permitted to board if their ticket was bought using these illegally generated travel funds.
"They would only waste their money and time if they would purchase their tickets again using 'illegal travel funds' as these would be declined," Romero added, advising affected travelers to make new, legitimate bookings through official channels if they wish to fly.
Risks of Unauthorized Bookings and Ongoing Probe
Cebu Pacific outlined the significant drawbacks and risks for passengers who transact with unauthorized sellers:
- Incomplete bookings and tickets due to incorrect fares.
- Inability to rebook flights.
- No option for online check-in.
- Cannot add baggage allowance or meals to the reservation.
The airline confirmed it is coordinating closely with authorities to continue its investigation into groups illegally selling CEB flights on social media platforms. This effort aims to dismantle these operations and protect the public from falling victim to such scams.
This incident highlights the growing problem of digital fraud in the travel industry and serves as a critical reminder for Filipino travelers to prioritize security over small savings when booking their journeys.
