From 1 April, all Guests travelling on Mango who have paid by credit card must present the transactional card on request.

“We recommend that sponsored flights should be purchased using an alternative payment method,” says CEO Nico Bezuidenhout. “Whether it’s through using Edgars or Jet store account cards or alternatively, purchasing flights at Shoprite, Checkers and Checkers Hyper Money Market Kiosks or through Mango’s secure online debit facility.”

He says that credit card fraud has increased substantially during the past 18 months and the new policy is designed to protect against fraudulent transactions.

Bezuidenhout also warned that new reports of fraudulent airline ticket sales have been noted.

“There have been emails circulating again promising highly discounted fares on several carriers,” he says. “And despite cautionary statements released it seems that these unscrupulous operators are still in business.”

He says that persons wishing to travel should book at airline approved channels such as airline websites, ASATA (Association of South African Travel Agents) member travel agents, call centres or in Mango’s case Shoprite, Checkers and Checkers Hyper Money Market Kiosks.

“If you are unsure, call the airline you wish to travel with,” recommends Bezuidenhout.