Five footy fans desperate to score tickets to Saturday's AFL Grand Final have been stung by Gumtree scammers.
One fan paid $1000 for 4 tickets, another paid $375 for two tickets and a third fan paid a $120 deposit for two tickets after posting a ‘tickets wanted’ advertisement on Gumtree.
The tickets were never delivered.
Two other scam victims paid $1500 for seven tickets and $400 for two tickets that were advertised on Gumtree but never received the tickets.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Gary Newcombe said scammers will prey on footy fans desperate to attend the AFL Grand Final.
“With only a few days left to sell fake tickets, scammers will ramp up their attempts to rip off those who still hold out hopes of getting a ticket to the big event," Mr Newcombe said.
“We strongly urge consumers to exercise extreme caution before handing over money for tickets being sold online.”
Consumer Protection is also cracking down on people who are selling tickets at inflated prices in breach of WA’s new ticket scalping laws.
They have been monitoring seven ticket re-selling sites as well as popular classified advertising sites such as Gumtree, eBay and Facebook Marketplace.
“So far 26 advertisements offering AFL Grand Final tickets and suspected of breaking the laws have been identified - 22 on Gumtree and four on eBay,” Mr Newcombe said.
“The sites have been cooperative in removing the ads as soon as advised, and may have removed others proactively.
“Consumer Protection recommends at all times to buy tickets for major events and concerts from the authorised selling agent to avoid disappointment.”
Consumers who see AFL tickets being sold online at inflated prices should take a screen shot and contact Consumer Protection by emailing consumer@dmirs.wa.gov.au or calling 1300 30 40 54.
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