IRVING, TX — With fraud targeting travel advisors on the rise, Nexion Travel Group is reinforcing its focus on education, training and tools to help advisors protect their businesses and clients.
Industry organizations, including the World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA), the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA), have recently issued warnings about a surge in fraudulent activity. Reported scams include stolen credit card bookings, impersonation attempts and phishing schemes designed to exploit travel agencies.
The growing sophistication of these tactics is creating new challenges for both new and experienced advisors, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and ongoing education.
“Education and awareness are critical in today’s environment,” said Jackie Friedman, CTC, CTIE, President of Nexion Travel Group. “We’re committed to helping our advisors recognize risks early and operate with confidence.”
STRENGTHENING FRAUD PREVENTION
Nexion says fraud prevention has long been a core component of its support model. The host agency provides members with ongoing training, best practices and timely alerts on emerging threats affecting the travel trade.
Advisors also benefit from access to a collaborative network where they can share insights and flag potential concerns, helping to strengthen awareness across the community.
A key initiative is the company’s “Fighting Fraud Fridays,” which focuses on real-world scenarios, practical prevention strategies and continued advisor education.
SUPPLIER PARTNERSHIPS & SAFEGUARDS
Supplier relationships also play an important role in mitigating risk. Nexion works closely with tour operator partners to verify last-minute bookings and ensure they are made by clients known to the advisor.
Additional safeguards are in place through the company’s SNAP Air Desk and mid-office systems, which are designed to identify potential red flags before tickets are issued.
“With this method, we’ve been successful in catching potential fraudulent tickets before they’re issued,” said Friedman.
Beyond fraud prevention, Nexion continues to position itself as a full-service host agency offering comprehensive support for advisors at all stages of their careers. This includes training programs, established supplier partnerships and personalized guidance, with a particular emphasis on helping new advisors build confidence and grow their businesses.
Lead image caption: Jackie Friedman, President of Nexion Travel Group
