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Your best move in this World Cup starts prior to buying your tickets : ALTA and IATA launch a campaign to prevent cyber fraud in airline ticket purchases

June 10, 2026 — The Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and strategic partners announce #TogetherAgainstCyberfraud a digital campaign designed to encourage 2026 World Cup travelers to purchase their airline tickets exclusively through authorized channels, during a period when excitement and high demand significantly heighten the risk of fraud.

By · Jun 10, 2026


#TogetherAgainstCyberfraud features Antonio as its official character and voice, amplified across partner channels. The message to travelers is clear: an official channel means a real travel. At vuelasinfraude.com, travelers will find useful guidelines to recognize and prevent fraud when purchasing airline tickets.

This campaign responds to a pattern that has intensified in each major international sports event. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Kaspersky[1] blocked more than 500 million attempts to access fraudulent websites, double the figure recorded in 2021. Similarly, during the 2024 Americas Cup, companies such as BTR Consulting identified fake travel packages, fraudulent QR codes, and illegitimate applications impersonating the tournament’s official website. 

This threat has a direct impact on Latin America. According to the latest analysis by the ALTA and IATA Regional Fraud Prevention Committee, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, and Chile recorded some of the highest fraud rates in travel bookings across the region.

 

“The excitement of traveling to experience the World Cup must not become an opportunity for fraudsters. Purchasing tickets exclusively through official platforms and authorized channels is the most effective way to ensure secure transactions and to protect passengers from schemes that result in financial losses, personal data theft, and disrupted travel experiences”, said Peter Cerdá, CEO of ALTA and IATA Regional Vice President for the Americas.

 

A joint call from ALTA, IATA, and their campaign partners—including seven member airlines from the Americas and Europe, fraud prevention providers, and global payment processors, alongside  major travel and tourism agency associations from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay and Dominican Republic urges travelers to purchase airline tickets exclusively through official channels. Consumers are strongly advised to use official airline websites, verified apps, or  regulated travel agencies. Furthermore, the organizations warn the public to be deeply skeptical of offers found on social media or messaging apps that feature unrealistically low prices, or that request cash payments or direct transfers to personal bank accounts.

For this 2026 World Cup, the aviation industry stands united with its global partners against cyber fraud.

For more information and access to available materials, visit vuelasinfraude.com

#TogetherAgainstCyberfraud

 



[1]Source: Kaspersky, global cybersecurity company. Data published in the threat report for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Available at kaspersky.com.



Lina
Quintero

Head of Government Affairs

Attorney and Master in Public Policy with more than 10 years of experience in regulatory affairs, government relations, and public policy strategy across Latin America. Currently serves as Head of Government Affairs at the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA), leading engagement with governments, regulators, and international organizations to advance policies that strengthen air connectivity and the development of the aviation sector in the region. Brings strong experience in regional regulatory positioning, high-level stakeholder management, and the coordination of complex public policy agendas across multiple countries. Has represented organizations in strategic forums and decision-making processes throughout Latin America. Recognized for building consensus and translating complex regulatory frameworks into initiatives that enhance industry competitiveness and sustainability.

María José
Correa

Communications Coordinator

María José has solid experience in strategic communication, reputation management, crisis handling, and institutional positioning for organizations with a global scope. Throughout her career, she has developed 360° communication strategies and media visibility initiatives for companies across various sectors, including energy, financial services, and hospitality, with the goal of strengthening corporate reputation and engagement with key audiences.

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Johnny
Gallardo

Accounting Director

Johnny is a Public Accountant graduated from Santa Maria University in Caracas, Venezuela. He has over 30 years of experience in service and manufacturing companies in the Administration, Accounting and Finance areas, leading the implementation of administrative and financial systems and restructuring of the accounting department. In January 2009, he joined ALTA as head of Administration and Finance with the objective of preparing the financial statements and responsible for the external audit, updating internal procedures, controlling assets and coordinating IT services and maintenance, providing forecasting and financial reporting to drive current and long-term profitability.

Maria Carolina
Cárdenas

Chief of Staff

Carolina is a lawyer, specialized in International Law and Business since 2007. She has worked at Citibank, Asobolsa (as Legal and Administrative Vice President), IATA (as Government Affairs Manager), and more recently has provided consulting services in personal and professional development.