British airways issues avios points warning after couple left out of pocket

British Airways has issued a warning to holidaymakers about the risks of purchasing Avios points through unofficial channels on Facebook following reports of scams. The airline emphasised

that trading Avios points 'via outside sources' is prohibited, after a couple was duped into buying illegitimately sourced points from a scammer on social media. A traveller shared

with the Guardian his unfortunate experience of acquiring Avios points from a Facebook group member while organising a trip to Corfu for the end of this month. He spent £200 for 60,000

Avios points, reports Birmingham Live. Without these points, the flight prices soared to £1,300. However, BA informed him that the points were "fraudulently obtained", leaving him

with non-refundable hotel and airport transfer costs totalling £700. "Both of us are self-employed so this has hit us hard, financially and emotionally," he expressed.

"It's heartbreaking to tell someone you love that the holiday you both looked forward to for months is gone." He continued: "We would have never flown business class, to

be honest, without seeing this. It was just a cool thing which we thought we could do and it would cost the same amount as a normal flight. "Scams like this can still happen even when

you think you've protected yourself. I had the points in my account before paying – and I still got scammed," he lamented. "If it's happening in one Facebook group with

75,000 members, you can bet it's happening in others too." British Airways has confirmed that the recent sale of Avios points breached their terms and conditions, noting such

transactions are prohibited when made through external outlets. The airline detailed Avios as the reward system for The British Airways Club and its affiliates by stating: "Collect

Avios on flights, online shopping, hotel bookings and even your weekly shop. With our partners across fashion, travel and finance, the possibilities are endless." Further elaborating on

how flyers can use their collected points, BA pointed out: "Once you've collected enough, take to the skies and spend your Avios on flights, discover incredible hotels or

experience unforgettable adventures."