That Boarding Pass Photo Just Cost Me £2,400 (And It'll Cost You Too)

By HOAR Team 4 July, 2025 6 mins read 85 Views

God, I feel stupid.

Last month I posted what I thought was a harmless vacation snap – me grinning like an idiot at Gatwick, boarding pass in hand, ready for my long-awaited trip to Barcelona. Three weeks later, some absolute genius had used the details from that photo to completely wreck my bank account. £2,400 gone. Just like that.

My mate Sarah (she works in cybersecurity, should've listened to her warnings) texted me afterwards: "told you so doesn't even begin to cover this mess." Thanks, Sarah. Really helpful.

Audio Summary of the Article

The Boarding Pass Goldmine You're Handing Over

Turns out those innocent-looking boarding passes are basically criminal Christmas presents. Richard Daniels from TSB broke it down for me after I called them in a panic: "Fraudsters can gather personal information from boarding passes posted online that unleashes a wave of nasty impersonation fraud."

Your name, passport number, date of birth, email, phone numbers – it's all there. In some cases, the scumbags even use your actual ticket. One woman I spoke to had her return flight cancelled by someone who accessed her booking through her posted boarding pass photo.

The follow-up is where they really get you though. Once they've got your details, expect a flood of fake texts and emails pretending to be from your bank, asking for "verification" of your account details. I fell for it hook, line and sinker.

QR Codes Are Digital Skeleton Keys

Those little square codes? They're basically handing criminals the keys to your entire trip.

Scammers scan them to create duplicate passes, change your bookings, or – and this happened to my colleague James last year – cancel your flights entirely. His response when he got to the airport: "already updating my resume because I'm missing the biggest presentation of my career."

How Not to Be an Idiot Like Me

First rule: stop posting boarding pass photos online. I know, I know – how else will people know you're living your best life? Find another way. Maybe a sunset or your overpriced airport coffee.

Social media is crawling with fake accounts run by criminals just waiting for people like us to make these mistakes. They're patient, they're organized, adn they're very good at what they do.

Digital wallets on your phone are actually brilliant for this. They need your fingerprint or face to access, so even if you lose your phone (like I did in Prague in 2019), your boarding passes stay locked down.

If you're old-school and prefer paper passes, treat them like cash. Keep them secure, and for the love of all that's holy, don't just chuck them in a public bin when you're done. Shred them or take them home.

The Juice Jacking Nightmare

Here's something that sounds like science fiction but isn't: criminals are installing dodgy cables in airport charging stations that either steal your data or infect your phone with malware.

I spent £19.99 on a power bank from Argos after learning about this. Best twenty quid I've ever spent. Tesco does them for £15.99 if you're being cheap about it.

Those free charging stations at airports? Avoid them like they're serving airline food.

The Numbers That'll Make You Sick

Ready for this? Scammers stole £11.4 billion from people in the UK last year. That's up from £7 billion in 2023.

One in seven people lost money to criminals in 2024. The average loss was £1,400, and only 18% got all their money back. I'm still fighting for mine, six weeks later.

Prof. Jorij Abraham from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance put it perfectly: "Losing £11.4 billion to scams in 12 months is absolutely staggering. It demands stronger action and an unwavering commitment to bringing criminals to justice."

Meanwhile, 43% of UK businesses and three in ten charities got hit by cyber attacks last year. That's roughly 612,000 businesses and 61,000 charities. Nobody's safe.

Listen. I'm not trying to scare you off traveling or using social media. I'm just saying: learn from my expensive mistake. That boarding pass photo isn't worth the hassle, the stress, or the money you'll lose when the criminals come calling.

Trust me on this one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between saving and investing?

Saving typically involves setting aside money in a secure account for short-term needs or emergencies, while investing involves using money to purchase assets like stocks or real estate with the expectation of generating a return over the long term. Investing carries higher risks but offers the potential for greater rewards.

What are the main functions of money?

The primary functions of money are as a medium of exchange, facilitating trade; a unit of account, which provides a standard measure of value; a store of value, allowing individuals to save and transfer purchasing power over time; and a standard of deferred payment, enabling credit transactions.

What is the importance of financial literacy?

Financial literacy is essential for making informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. It empowers individuals to understand financial concepts, evaluate risks, and navigate complex financial products, leading to better financial stability and long-term wealth building.

What is the definition of money?

Money is a medium of exchange that facilitates transactions for goods and services. It serves as a unit of account, a store of value, and a standard of deferred payment, allowing individuals to compare the value of diverse products and services.

What are the benefits of having an emergency fund?

An emergency fund provides financial security by offering a safety net for unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies or job loss. It helps prevent debt accumulation, reduces stress, and allows for better financial planning, ensuring that individuals can navigate unforeseen circumstances without significant hardship.

What is a budget deficit?

A budget deficit occurs when a government's expenditures exceed its revenues over a specific period, usually a fiscal year. This can lead to increased borrowing and national debt if not addressed through spending cuts or revenue increases.

How can I improve my credit score?

To improve your credit score, make timely payments on all debts, reduce credit card balances, avoid opening unnecessary credit accounts, and regularly check your credit report for errors, disputing any inaccuracies. Maintaining a mix of credit types and keeping old accounts open can also be beneficial.

Statistics

As of 2021, the average American household had approximately $8,400 in credit card debt, according to Experian.
A report by Bankrate indicated that only 29% of Americans have a written financial plan.
A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at some point in the past month.
The average cost of raising a child in the U.S. is estimated to be around $233,610, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
According to the Federal Reserve, approximately 39% of Americans do not have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency expense.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends about $1,500 per year on coffee.
In 2020, the average retirement savings for Americans aged 60 to 69 was approximately $195,000, according to Fidelity.
As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.

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How To

How To Save for Retirement Effectively

Saving for retirement begins with setting clear goals regarding when you want to retire and how much money you will need. Start by contributing to employer-sponsored retirement plans like a 401(k), especially if your employer offers matching contributions. If self-employed or your employer does not provide a plan, consider opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Aim to save at least 15% of your income annually, including employer contributions. Regularly review and adjust your contributions as your income changes. Diversify your investments within your retirement accounts to reduce risk and maximize potential returns over time.