How it works:
- Opening: this was a scam originally perpetrated on WeChat, a Chinese social media app/portal, though it has now migrated to other online platforms as it is so easy to execute.
- Set-up: crime syndicates are buying tickets to tourist attractions (e.g. Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Eureka Skydeck in Victoria, etc) and popular events (e.g. Sydney’s Easter Show) with stolen credit cards and then selling them at a discount on these online platforms.
- Situation: attractions are now requesting personal identification along with tickets when you try to enter. If they do not match, you will be turned away. What's worse, is that you may even be contacted by police under the suspicion of credit card fraud!
Places to beware:
- Anywhere
What to do:
- If it is too good to be true, it probably.
- Only buy direct from company/official counters, licensed retailers or travel agents (e.g. licensed by AFTA).
- Alternatively, online day tour platforms like GetYourGuide (leading globally) has some bestselling tickets (e.g. Taronga Zoo, Sydney Opera House, Bridgeclimb Sydney, etc).
