Is this event a scam? Authorities monitor Lantern Festival Australia after customers' concerns
- Replies 16
As the nights grow longer and the air crisper, Australians look forward to a warm and cosy celebration with their families and loved ones.
One particular festival promised a touching experience for its attendees.
Yet, authorities thought otherwise and warned festivalgoers of a possible scam.
Lantern Festival Australia promised to light up the skies with hundreds of floating lanterns that would 'touch your heart and soul'.
Scheduled to take place in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide throughout November and early December, Lantern Festival Asia sold tickets at a rapid pace.
Each ticket costs $74.95, and groups of four could purchase ticket bundles at $169.95.
However, the excitement around the festival became a concern for many ticket holders.
Lantern Festival Australia's tickets quickly sold out for all venues, and red flags began to emerge.
Customers have been left in the dark—literally and figuratively—as organisers have yet to disclose the exact locations of these events.
This lack of communication and information sparked fears that the Lantern Festival Australia may not be the magical evening everyone was expecting.
Similar events in the United Kingdom were mired in controversy, with a trading standards investigation launched after tickets were sold without revealing locations.
The Australian festival's website, similar to the UK event, had no information about the events and activities.
The organisers' promise that venue details would be announced two weeks before the event date only made customers anxious.
'Our very own Fyre Festival,' one comment read, referencing an American music festival that failed miserably.
Others likened it to the Willy Wonka Chocolate Experience in Glasgow earlier this year.
These past event failures heightened the anxiety among Lantern Festival Australia's ticket holders, who fear they may have been scammed.
Consumer protection authorities across Australia are on alert.
Consumer Protection WA and the Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General are monitoring the situation.
Meanwhile, NSW Fair Trading had already received two complaints from customers who still needed to receive tickets they had paid for.
NSW Fair Trading told customers to demand refunds from the festival and report any suspicions of fraud to authorities.
The National Anti-Scam Centre also urged the public to be vigilant against ticket scams.
They reminded the consumers to:
For those who have already purchased tickets, the situation is a stark reminder of the risks associated with online transactions.
As the event dates draw nearer without further information, ticket holders continue to wait in vain, wondering if they will be part of a memorable festival or a cautionary tale.
If you or someone you know has purchased tickets for Lantern Festival Australia, immediately take action.
Demand refunds from the organiser, secure your bank accounts and seek advice from consumer protection agencies in your state.
Have you encountered similar issues with event tickets in the past? Share your stories and fool-proof tips in the comments below.
One particular festival promised a touching experience for its attendees.
Yet, authorities thought otherwise and warned festivalgoers of a possible scam.
Lantern Festival Australia promised to light up the skies with hundreds of floating lanterns that would 'touch your heart and soul'.
Scheduled to take place in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide throughout November and early December, Lantern Festival Asia sold tickets at a rapid pace.
Each ticket costs $74.95, and groups of four could purchase ticket bundles at $169.95.
Lantern Festival Australia's tickets immediately sold out, which sparked concerns from consumers. Image Credit: Lantern Festival Australia
However, the excitement around the festival became a concern for many ticket holders.
Lantern Festival Australia's tickets quickly sold out for all venues, and red flags began to emerge.
Customers have been left in the dark—literally and figuratively—as organisers have yet to disclose the exact locations of these events.
This lack of communication and information sparked fears that the Lantern Festival Australia may not be the magical evening everyone was expecting.
Similar events in the United Kingdom were mired in controversy, with a trading standards investigation launched after tickets were sold without revealing locations.
The Australian festival's website, similar to the UK event, had no information about the events and activities.
The organisers' promise that venue details would be announced two weeks before the event date only made customers anxious.
'Our very own Fyre Festival,' one comment read, referencing an American music festival that failed miserably.
Others likened it to the Willy Wonka Chocolate Experience in Glasgow earlier this year.
These past event failures heightened the anxiety among Lantern Festival Australia's ticket holders, who fear they may have been scammed.
Consumer protection authorities across Australia are on alert.
Consumer Protection WA and the Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General are monitoring the situation.
Meanwhile, NSW Fair Trading had already received two complaints from customers who still needed to receive tickets they had paid for.
NSW Fair Trading told customers to demand refunds from the festival and report any suspicions of fraud to authorities.
The National Anti-Scam Centre also urged the public to be vigilant against ticket scams.
They reminded the consumers to:
- Research the organisations they are dealing with.
- Look for independent reviews about events and organisers
- Always check websites for comprehensive information and;
- Stay cautious of websites that lack contact details
For those who have already purchased tickets, the situation is a stark reminder of the risks associated with online transactions.
As the event dates draw nearer without further information, ticket holders continue to wait in vain, wondering if they will be part of a memorable festival or a cautionary tale.
If you or someone you know has purchased tickets for Lantern Festival Australia, immediately take action.
Demand refunds from the organiser, secure your bank accounts and seek advice from consumer protection agencies in your state.
.png){kind=icon}
