Fake festival tickets warning after scammer, 19, conned would-be revellers out of $10,000
- Perth woman allegedly conned more than 100 would-be music event revellers
- Hannah Valentine pleaded guilty to 28 fraud charges in relation to alleged scam
- She allegedly created fake online profiles to sell tickets to concerts and events
- Authorities urged revellers to only purchase tickets from authorised providers
Music festival fans have been warned about online ticketing scams after a Perth woman allegedly conned more than 100 would-be revellers.
Hannah Valentine, 19, pleaded guilty to 28 fraud charges in relation to an alleged ticketing scam.
Police alleged the Innaloo woman created fake profiles on Facebook and Gumtree to sell tickets to concerts and events to scam $10,000 out of revellers.
Fake names allegedly used in transactions included Natalia Sparrow, Daniella Walsh, Hannah Jane Mathews, HannahVal, Sophie-Marie Lewis and Jessica Lewis, the ABC reported.
Hannah Valentine will reappear in court next month over an alleged ticketing scam
Victims contacted the woman via social media and transferred money for the tickets, which police allege didn’t exist.
It’s alleged the fake tickets were for the Listen Out festival, a concert by US rapper Post Malone and Seasons events.
Western Australia Police began investigating after Victorian Police forwarded on two complaints of fraudulent ticket sales allegedly involving Valentine.
It’s alleged the Listen Out music festival (pictured) was part of a recent ticketing scam
‘She received money via direct transfer into her bank accounts … but the tickets were either altered, or they’re just fake tickets in general, and other times she didn’t send the victims anything in return,’ Senior Constable Fraser Munro told the ABC.
With the summer music festival season in currently in full swing, authorities urged revellers to only purchase tickets from authorised providers.
Consumer Protection WA received 16 scam-related ticket sales complaints last year and has already received two complaints within the first six weeks of 2019.
Fans of US rapper Post Malone (pictured) were also targeted in the alleged ticketing scam
The watchdog supports the use of reselling tickets from official websites but warned consumer law does not apply if tickets are bought from private sellers.
‘It’s safest to buy tickets via a secure online transaction with a reputable seller. In the case of something going wrong with the event, you will have electronic records of your purchase,’ the Consumer Protection WA website states.
‘Consumers who buy tickets with a credit card may also be able to seek a chargeback from their bank, if they are unsuccessful in obtaining a refund from the ticket seller.’
Hannah Valentine (pictured) is accused of scamming more than 100 would-be festival revellers
The website also warned major events are often targeted by scammers selling counterfeit tickets.
Anyone who buys a ticket which turns out to be counterfeit, cancelled, or doesn’t arrive is urged to report the transaction to WA ScamNet on 1300 304 054.
Daily Mail Australia contacted to Listen Out organisers and Western Australia Police for further comment.
Valentine will reappear in Perth Magistrates Court on March 18.
Police alleged Hannah Valentine (pictured) created fake profiles on Facebook and Gumtree to sell $10,000 worth of tickets to concerts and events. She will appear in court in March
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