Cruise Line Investigating Scam Emails – Gulf Coast Cruises Could Be Implicated
(KMDL-FM) Long-time fans of cruise vacations know the old way of getting aboard a sailing ship has sailed. Not long ago, guests who booked out of New Orleans or Galveston would receive, by mail or from their travel agent, a file folder full of cruise documents.
Nowadays, most of that is handled electronically via email. However, one cruise line is warning guests about an email scam that is going around that looks really official when it lands in your inbox. And if you're not careful, your cruise across the Gulf could be impacted by stolen funds or identity theft.
Norwegian Cruise Line Issues Notice to Passengers of Possible Email Scam
Norwegian Cruise Line says it is looking into concerning emails reported by several guests that appear to come from ships sailing out of both New Orleans and Galveston. The emails contain relevant and real cruise confirmation information, including reservation details, but they ask for credit card verification.
The scam messages impersonate NCL documents and request that guests click links to complete security verification, confirm their payment cards, or finalize their check-in. The scam emails contain verbiage similar to this.
"To safeguard your booking and provide a smooth check-in, Norwegian Cruise Line requires a single security authentication for the card on file for your Norwegian Getaway reservation. This is a security measure, not a request for payment.” A user on the website Reddit posted that just a few days ago.
Scam Emails Have Been Connected to NCL Cruises Out of New Orleans
Several other Reddit users reported receiving similar emails for bookings not only on the Norwegian Getaway but also on the Norwegian Encore. The Encore has been primarily cruising along the West Coast, but the Getaway often sails out of New Orleans on Caribbean itineraries.
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Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed it is aware of the scam emails and the company is investigating them. There has been no confirmed explanation from the cruise line on how so many personal details and reservation details were included in the scam emails.
In a notice posted on the NCL website, the cruise line is instructing guests not to click links, reply, or supply any personal information or payment information via email. The company did remind customers that official emails from Norwegian will end in "@ncl.com" or "@nclcorp.com"
The cruise line also confirmed that guests with scheduled bookings within the next 30 days should be especially cognizant of this potential scam since it appears the scammers are hoping to confuse potential victims with a sense of urgency.
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The safest move you can make is to reach out to the cruise line directly via confirmed and validated websites and published phone numbers. Many cruise lines also have dedicated cruise and travel specialists; they can assist with any concerns you may have.
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Gallery Credit: Bruce Mikells