Revellers scammed into paying for tickets to a non-existent New Year’s Eve yacht party off Adelaide’s coastline will be refunded, online ticketing platform Eventbrite says.
Key points:
- More than 100 people paid for a party on a boat that never eventuated
- Their money will be refunded
- The ACCC says ticketing companies need to have better protective measures in place
SA Police is investigating the incident where more than 100 people paid for tickets to the party, but turned up at Glenelg to get on a boat that never arrived.
They had been hoping to see fireworks on the shore from the boat while enjoying drinks, food and music onboard.
An Eventbrite spokesman said those who had paid for the $120 tickets through the platform would be refunded today.
“All evidence we have right now points towards the conclusion that the advertised ‘NYE on the Bay Boat Party’ in Glenelg was a fraudulent event, and we are therefore refunding all attendees in full today,” the spokesman – based in Ireland – said.
“It can take 5-7 business days for those refunds to show in the attendees’ accounts.
“We will learn from this case to continue to evolve our detection mechanisms to stay ahead of scammers, and we are cooperating with South Australia Police to support their investigation into the people behind this event.”
Ticket-buyers and real estate agent duped
The event had been promoted through social media.
TikTok user Jayden Clark posted videos about the scam, including footage of people turning up at…
