Avoid Private Jet Charter Scammers

Having been in the private jet charter business for a number of years, I've seen many people sadly get caught up in the moment, and book a flight via a broker that either isn't genuine, or someone that is not allowed to be selling the service they are. They are the "Private Jet Charter Scammers".

I wish I could say they are a very small minority.

Unfortunately, they are growing in number, and they will prey on people looking for a private jet flight in a manner that is relentless, and determined.

So, where can these scammers be found hanging out?

In my experience, pretty much anywhere online, that has a theme of people selling high ticket items. High end watches, handbags, events, cars, and anything considered to be luxury and high end.

Groups seem to be a firm favourite, specifically, Facebook groups are riddled with these types of people.

What are some of the signs that would tell me someone is a potential scammer?

Very good question, and one I'm asked about frequently. The truth is, there are no hard and fast rules to be applied here, but there are some signs that I would look at, and know the potential is there if nothing else.

In terms of Facebook groups, most people have a Facebook profile and are in some sort of Facebook group these days, and someone can set their profile up how they wish, for whatever reason. A couple of frequent scammer signs I look for are:

1 - Profile link: Does it have a name within it, or is it just numbers? Profiles that start with "615" tend to be a big red flag!

2 - Click on the "View Profile" button and check to see if the profile is 'Locked'. It's also worth checking to see if their 'sex' matches expectations.

3 - Where does the person say they're from, or where they live? Do the images (if there are any) match up with the location stated? I've seen profiles state a person lives in New York, but not have a single picture from there. Do the pictures look like they're from Nigeria, or somewhere else in Africa?

4 - Who is on their 'friends' list? Where are the friends located? Does that match expectations?

5 - What are they claiming to be able to sell (private jet charter / empty leg)?

How can you pick up on with these signs to make an informed decision?

Just checking the answers to the above will give an initial idea as to whether or not someone is legitimate. In terms of private jet charter, there are many great brokers and operators in groups, some people also affiliate for brokers or operators, but there are others who are blatant imposters looking to relieve you of your cash without a second thought.

The idea that someone will lose their money to a scammer, because they didn't have the right knowledge to avoid the scam in the first place, is almost as bad as the scammer themselves. I've had personal experience of the damage it causes to people, and I try to advise people as much as possible in ways to avoid being caught out. Knowledge is power, right?

Therefore, I took the decision to create an informative guide, with many of the tools that I use personally on a daily basis, to seek out, and find the shall we say, not so legitimate accounts within Facebook groups.

For a much deeper dive into combatting the situation, there is a downloadable guide for anyone who wants to have the information and knowledge base, to help prevent being stung by a scammer, and I would urge people to make sure they're aware of what goes on, and how.

The guide contains so much more detailed information than mentioned above, and could potentially save you thousands of pounds, dollars, euros. Nobody can afford to lose their money on any scale, so can YOU afford to be in the dark?

Essential reading to help ensure the scammers don't win - Just £13.99!