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British Airways issues warning and voids 'tens of thousands' of Avios pointsBritish Airways said selling and buying Avios points ‘via outside sources’ was forbidden, with a couple caught out

after buying fraudulently obtained points from a scammer on social media.TravelJames Rodger Content Editor07:45, 29 May 2025British Airways issues warning and voids 'tens of thousands' of

Avios points Holidaymakers are being told to beware buying Avios points on Facebook after scams. British Airways said selling and buying Avios points ‘via outside sources’ was forbidden,

with a couple caught out after buying fraudulently obtained points from a scammer on social media.

One holidaymaker believed he was buying Avios points from someone on a Facebook group when he was planning a trip to Corfu for the end of this month, he told the Guardian newspaper this

weekend. He paid £200 for 60,000 Avios points.

‌ Without the points, the flights cost £1,300. But he was told by BA that the points had been “fraudulently obtained”, and was left with a non-refundable hotel booking and airport transfers

worth £700.

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“Both of us are self-employed so this has hit us hard, financially and emotionally,” he said. “It’s heartbreaking to tell someone you love that the holiday you both looked forward to for

months is gone.”

Article continues below He added: “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 said. “If it’s happening in one

Facebook group with 75,000 members, you can bet it’s happening in others too.”

BA said in a statement that the sale of the points had violated its terms and conditions as selling or buying “via outside sources” was forbidden.

Article continues below Avios is the loyalty currency of The British Airways Club and our partners. BA explains: "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.

"Once you’ve collected enough, take to the skies and spend your Avios on flights, discover incredible hotels or experience unforgettable adventures."