TRAVERSE CITY — Cherry Capital Airport officials issued a warning Wednesday regarding a sudden increase in scams involving people impersonating airport and airline employees. Two people were targeted by scammers using the WhatsApp messaging platform within the last five days.
The recent activity represents a sharp increase for the facility, which normally sees only one or two scam attempts per year. Scammers have been using the platform to solicit money for travel expenses and fake investment opportunities.
The two recent victims arrived at the airport after being contacted by an actor on WhatsApp. Airport officials noted that while they typically encounter only one or two scams in an entire year, these two incidents occurred in less than one week.
Cherry Capital Airport CEO Kevin Klein explained that the scammers frequently impersonate airport or airline employees. These actors often contact individuals to request money for travel-related purposes.The tactics have evolved to include claims of individuals being detained or fraudulent business opportunities. Klein described the specific messaging used by the scammers.
“We’ve also seen in some scenarios where people, have claimed that they’re being held here at the airport and they need money to be sent. And then, you know, others have been. We want you to invest in this business because the airport is investing in that business. And so people are seeing this. And the common theme has been the WhatsApp,” Klein said.
Following these recent incidents, airport officials notified law enforcement. The airport is working to alert the community to these specific methods to prevent further victims from arriving at the facility under false pretenses.
The airport maintains a strict policy regarding financial transactions and official communications. Klein reminded the public that the airport and its employees will never request payment through WhatsApp, text messages or any other social messaging platform.