Hawaii Topia

Several U.S. airlines are warning people not to open fake emails claiming that the people bought an airline ticket.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune quotes a computer virus expert as speculating that the email attack is coming from Russia.

From various publications, we know that the emails are carrying the names of Northwest Airlines, Continental Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, US Airways, Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, Midwest Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines

The emails have an attachment that includes a .zip file containing a virus. Some airlines have posted warnings on their websites, such as this one from Delta:

Fraudulent emails, purporting to be from Delta, have apparently been sent to consumers in the last 24 hours. These e-mails claim that the recipient has purchased a Delta ticket, that a credit card has been charged, and that an invoice or receipt is attached to the e-mail. If you have received one of these emails, do not open the attachment as it may contain potentially dangerous viruses or other malware that may harm your computer. Be assured that Delta did not send these emails, and our customers’ credit cards have not been charged as a result of the e-mails. These e-mails did not originate with Delta, nor do we believe that any personal information that our customers provided to us was used to generate these e-mails.

Northwest put out a press release with this statement from its vice president of e-commerce, Al Lenza:

Customers should be aware that these e-mails are not coming from the airline. NWA itineraries are specific and contain information that customer will recognize. If the format does not look familiar to you, and you have not recently purchased a ticket, do not open the attachment. Delete the e-mail right away.

Hawaiian Airlines is warning about a fraudulent e-mail being circulated that appears to come from the carrier and carries a virus. The airline sent out a warning to members of its frequent flier program saying the e-mail is labeled “Your airline ticket” and appears of a notice of a new ticketing service. It informs the recipient that a new account has been opened in their name. Hawaiian said an attachment to the e-mail looks like an electronic ticket but contains a virus. It is advising people to not open the attachment and to delete the e-mail from their inbox.