- Scammers burning consumers with fake events at Kings Park and Langley Park
- Sponsored social media ads spruiking tickets to non-existent sky lantern releases
- Sky lantern releases permanently banned in Australia due to fire and burns risk
Advertisements for fake sky lantern festivals at Kings Park and Langley Park are spreading across social media, prompting a warning for WA consumers to be on alert for scams and avoid buying tickets to events that do not exist.
In recent weeks, Consumer Protection’s WA ScamNet team has received growing numbers of reports from victims who have paid for tickets to the bogus events. The scammers claim that “biodegradable and recycled” paper lanterns will be released into the sky, but no such event has been scheduled or approved to operate at either Kings Park or Langley Park.
The sponsored social media ads are directing consumers to professional-looking fake websites offering event tickets for around $50 each in various cities across Australia, including Perth. These sites encourage payment via credit card and the entry of personal information, which if provided will be captured and potentially misused by scammers. With certain event dates marked as ‘sold-out’ and later dates appearing available, consumers may not realise they have been scammed until it is too late to submit a chargeback request with their financial provider.
Examination of the fake websites revealed a number of red flags, including a Florida-based address paired with a UK phone number, suspicious spelling errors such as “Sidney” instead of “Sydney,” and a domain that was only recently registered with hidden ownership details.
So far, the ScamNet team has helped with the removal of three fake websites called ‘AU Skylight Event’, ‘Lantern Fest Australia’ and ‘Sky Dreams Australia’. However, new websites, such as ‘UK The Sky Light Event’ continue to emerge in their place, indicating that scammers are actively rebranding and relaunching under different names to evade detection and target more victims.
Aside from the risk of scams, it is illegal for open flame lanterns to be released in Australia due to the significant fire and burns hazard they pose. More recent advertisements have promoted nonsensical “micro-LED bulbs made from recycled plastic that self-destruct” and have even pivoted to synchronised drone shows.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake was concerned more people may be falling victim to these scams than current reports suggest.
“Scammers know that if they make an event look popular by marking some dates as ‘sold-out’, people are more likely to rush into buying tickets,” Ms Blake said.
“One red-flag is the claim by some websites that tickets and the exact location will only be issued 48 hours before the event – that is highly unusual and not standard practice for legitimate ticketed events.
“Because the events are advertised for future dates, many consumers may not realise they’ve been scammed until it’s too late – potentially even when they arrive at the venue expecting the event to take place. By then, the window to recover their money through their bank may have already closed.”
Ms Blake urged consumers to be wary when it comes to events advertised on social media.
“Before entering any financial or personal details online, it’s essential to confirm the legitimacy of the website and its operator – regardless of how professional the site may appear,” the Commissioner said.
“Check who registered the website and how long it’s been around using the ICANN registration data look-up tool. If the site is new or hides this info, it’s best to stay away.”
Consumers who have experienced financial loss are urged to contact their bank or financial institution immediately. Those concerned their personal information or identity have been obtained by scammers can contact ID Care on 1800 595 160 or visit www.idcare.org for assistance.
More information about scams – including how to report one – is available on the WA ScamNet website. For enquiries, call 1300 30 40 54 or email consumer@lgirs.wa.gov.au
Media Contact: cpmedia@lgirs.wa.gov.au
