Is this booking message from Virgin Australia a scam?
Airlines and travel brands like Virgin Australia are impersonated with fake booking, refund and frequent-flyer messages. A text, email or booking message that looks like it's from Virgin Australia can be genuine — but it can just as easily be a scam built to look identical. The good news: a few quick checks almost always tell a real Virgin Australia message from a fake.
Genuine Virgin Australia links only ever go to virginaustralia.com. Below is exactly what a real Virgin Australia message looks like, the scams currently circulating in its name, the red flags that give a fake away, and a real example to compare against. Got a message in front of you? Check it now for an instant verdict.
What a real Virgin Australia message looks like
Genuine messages from Virgin Australia only ever link to virginaustralia.com.
- Genuine Virgin Australia messages about flights or Velocity points are sent from short codes or branded IDs that match the airline's own systems.
- Real Virgin Australia communications direct you to virginaustralia.com or velocityfrequentflyer.com without urgency or threats.
- Official Virgin Australia emails arrive from addresses ending in @virginaustralia.com.
- Virgin Australia never sends SMS links asking you to log in or redeem points immediately.
- Booking confirmations and boarding passes from Virgin Australia include your booking reference and flight details without requesting personal verification.
Crucially, Virgin Australia will never ask you to confirm card details, or 'claim' points or a refund, through a link in an unexpected message.
Common Virgin Australia scams
- Scammers send SMS claiming your Velocity points are about to expire and include a link to a fake login page.
- Fraudsters pose as Virgin Australia offering discounted flights or seat upgrades that require you to enter card details on a lookalike site.
- Impersonators text about a changed flight or cancelled booking and direct you to a fraudulent rebooking link.
Red flags to watch for
- Message contains a shortened or suspicious link instead of directing you to virginaustralia.com.
- Urgent language warning that Velocity points will be lost unless you act now.
- Requests for login credentials, password resets or payment details via SMS.
- Sender ID is a random long number or an email address that does not end in @virginaustralia.com.
- The message creates panic about a booking you do not recognise.
Scam text examples
Here's a real example of a scam message impersonating Virgin Australia, with the tell-tale red flags highlighted. Compare it against anything you've received.
Virgin Australia: Your Velocity points expire in 48 hours. Secure them now: http://velocity-points-virgin-australia.com/login
What gives it away:
- Message contains a shortened or suspicious link instead of directing you to virginaustralia.com.
- Urgent language warning that Velocity points will be lost unless you act now.
- Requests for login credentials, password resets or payment details via SMS.
- Sender ID is a random long number or an email address that does not end in @virginaustralia.com.
- The message creates panic about a booking you do not recognise.
Not sure about your message?
Paste the suspicious Virgin Australia text or email and get an instant scam verdict, free.
How to verify a message from Virgin Australia
- Type virginaustralia.com yourself and log in to manage bookings or Velocity points.
- Use the official Virgin Australia app to view flights and points balance.
- Check velocityfrequentflyer.com directly for any points-related alerts.
Where to report a scam impersonating Virgin Australia
Received — or fell for — a message impersonating Virgin Australia? Report it. It helps authorities and carriers shut the campaign down for everyone who gets the next one.
- Scamwatch — Report the scam to the ACCC's national scam service.
- ReportCyber — Report cybercrime and financial loss to the police.
- ACMA — Report scam texts and spam SMS or calls.
- Forward to 7226 (SPAM) — Forward the scam SMS to short code 7226 so your carrier can block the source.
- IDCARE — Free identity and cyber support if your details were taken.
Frequently asked questions
I got a text from Virgin Australia about my Velocity points expiring — is it a scam?
Virgin Australia does not send expiry warnings via SMS with login links. Visit velocityfrequentflyer.com directly in your browser to check your points.
How do I know if a Virgin Australia email is real?
Check that the sender address ends in @virginaustralia.com and that any links point only to virginaustralia.com. If in doubt, type the address yourself rather than clicking.
What should I do if I clicked a link in a fake Virgin Australia message?
Change any passwords you entered, monitor your accounts, and report the message at scamwatch.gov.au or cyber.gov.au.
Related scam types
Scams impersonating Virgin Australia usually fit one of these patterns. Learn how each works:
Related brands
Other travel names scammers impersonate — check a message from one:
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice — always verify with Virgin Australia through an official channel.