Over 100 people made a costly mistake when they showed up to this fake NYE party
- Replies 6
Every year, the New Year’s Eve countdown turns the world into a bedazzling, festive celebration full of excited revellers, mesmerising fireworks shows and glamorous parties. It's an occasion that captures the enthusiasm of everyone.
Unfortunately, this exhilaration around every December 31st is something scammers are well aware of, as they're all too eager to take advantage of it for their own means.
More than 100 partygoers are out of pocket after forking out $130 for tickets to a New Year’s Eve boat party in Glenelg, only to find out the event never existed.
The tickets were sold on Eventbrite, and promised a yacht cruise complete with food, drinks and a prime view of the Adelaide fireworks.
Cameron Chappell posted about the incident on TikTok, showing the disappointment of many revellers who’d travelled from interstate expecting a night of unlimited drinks, food and DJ’s.
He said that the advertisement for the event had been 'too good’ to be true when he originally saw it online.
When Mr Chappell arrived at the pier and found dozens of people waiting for the party yacht, he decided to cross-reference the event's details with Eventbrite and the party's Facebook profile and he found all evidence of the event had been completely wiped from the platforms.
‘Everything was gone. The Facebook page had been deleted, the event had been deleted, and even the profile of the guy who we had been speaking to for the event is gone.’ he recalled.
According to Mr Chappell, the other participating customers, who had come from all over the country, had a hard time coming up with alternative arrangements when they realised that the event was a bluff.
'It's honestly just such a s*** thing to do. It's not cheap for a night when you know you're not going to get that money back.' he continued.
'On the event (promo), it also said there was a free bus ride back to the city, but of course because it wasn't legit, we all had to catch Ubers home.'
'And the Uber ride home… $200, and it took us over two hours to find an Uber.'
A representative for Eventbrite acknowledged that they were aware of the incident and promised to get in touch with the customers who had purchased tickets for the event.
'We are currently investigating this issue and are working with all parties to reach a fair outcome.’ they said.
'We aim to update all attendees in due course and appreciate their patience in the meantime.'
A South Australia Police spokesperson confirmed that authorities were aware of the event and urged anyone who had been scammed by the group to report the issue to the police immediately.
'(Police) encourage anyone who has fallen victim to this scam to make a report to the police.' they said.
'Police would like to remind people to be cautious when booking events online and through social media platforms.'
'Conduct your own research through reputable company websites and if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.'
Members, this story just goes to show how important it is to do your research when booking tickets for events and activities. Although we’re all looking for a good deal and a fun night, it’s important to make sure the event is legitimate otherwise you risk losing out.
Here are some of our tips to keep you safe when researching an event online:
1. Check out the promoter’s website, reviews and social media accounts to make sure they’re legitimate.
2. Avoid clicking any hyperlinks in emails, instead search the event directly on reputable ticketing sites.
3. Make sure to read the fine print, and don’t agree to any terms and conditions you’re not comfortable with.
4. If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to reach out to the event organisers for more information.
5. If you come across a deal that seems too good to be true, it more than likely is.
Let us know any other tips you have for staying safe when booking event tickets in the comments. Have you ever come across a scam, or been tricked by a too-good-to-be-true deal? Share your stories with us below.
Unfortunately, this exhilaration around every December 31st is something scammers are well aware of, as they're all too eager to take advantage of it for their own means.
More than 100 partygoers are out of pocket after forking out $130 for tickets to a New Year’s Eve boat party in Glenelg, only to find out the event never existed.
The tickets were sold on Eventbrite, and promised a yacht cruise complete with food, drinks and a prime view of the Adelaide fireworks.
Cameron Chappell posted about the incident on TikTok, showing the disappointment of many revellers who’d travelled from interstate expecting a night of unlimited drinks, food and DJ’s.
He said that the advertisement for the event had been 'too good’ to be true when he originally saw it online.
When Mr Chappell arrived at the pier and found dozens of people waiting for the party yacht, he decided to cross-reference the event's details with Eventbrite and the party's Facebook profile and he found all evidence of the event had been completely wiped from the platforms.
‘Everything was gone. The Facebook page had been deleted, the event had been deleted, and even the profile of the guy who we had been speaking to for the event is gone.’ he recalled.
According to Mr Chappell, the other participating customers, who had come from all over the country, had a hard time coming up with alternative arrangements when they realised that the event was a bluff.
'It's honestly just such a s*** thing to do. It's not cheap for a night when you know you're not going to get that money back.' he continued.
At Glenelg in South Australia, dozens of people spent New Year's Eve waiting for a party boat that never showed up despite paying $130 for tickets. Credit: TikTok/Cameron Chappell.
'On the event (promo), it also said there was a free bus ride back to the city, but of course because it wasn't legit, we all had to catch Ubers home.'
'And the Uber ride home… $200, and it took us over two hours to find an Uber.'
A representative for Eventbrite acknowledged that they were aware of the incident and promised to get in touch with the customers who had purchased tickets for the event.
'We are currently investigating this issue and are working with all parties to reach a fair outcome.’ they said.
'We aim to update all attendees in due course and appreciate their patience in the meantime.'
A South Australia Police spokesperson confirmed that authorities were aware of the event and urged anyone who had been scammed by the group to report the issue to the police immediately.
'(Police) encourage anyone who has fallen victim to this scam to make a report to the police.' they said.
'Police would like to remind people to be cautious when booking events online and through social media platforms.'
'Conduct your own research through reputable company websites and if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.'
Members, this story just goes to show how important it is to do your research when booking tickets for events and activities. Although we’re all looking for a good deal and a fun night, it’s important to make sure the event is legitimate otherwise you risk losing out.
Here are some of our tips to keep you safe when researching an event online:
1. Check out the promoter’s website, reviews and social media accounts to make sure they’re legitimate.
2. Avoid clicking any hyperlinks in emails, instead search the event directly on reputable ticketing sites.
3. Make sure to read the fine print, and don’t agree to any terms and conditions you’re not comfortable with.
4. If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to reach out to the event organisers for more information.
5. If you come across a deal that seems too good to be true, it more than likely is.
Let us know any other tips you have for staying safe when booking event tickets in the comments. Have you ever come across a scam, or been tricked by a too-good-to-be-true deal? Share your stories with us below.
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