Warning on World Cup soccer scams
Issue Date: - Thursday, 7 January 2010
Soccer fans in WA who are considering attending the 2010 World Cup in South Africa are being warned about purchasing bogus tickets and travel packages from fake websites or unauthorised sellers.
Soccer’s international body FIFA has already closed down unauthorised web-based ticket resellers in Britain in an operation with the New Scotland Yard.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll warned that bogus ticket sellers emerge every four years to take unfair advantage of the huge excitement surrounding the World Cup games.
"These fraudsters are cheating soccer fans from the opportunity of attending the games," Ms Driscoll said.
"In the past, fans have only found out that their tickets are fake when they’ve turned up at the stadium and been refused entry. They are not only out of pocket with the cost of the tickets but also the cost of travelling to the host country. Other fans have paid money for tickets that they don’t receive."
FIFA has so far received 500,000 applications for tickets worldwide with more than 6,000 from Australia which shows the huge popularity of this international sporting event.
To avoid being scammed, soccer fans in WA should apply for their tickets through FIFA’s official website or only through agents authorised by FIFA who are listed on their website - FIFA.com. Applications for tickets close on 13 January 2010 and the draw for ticket allocations will take place on 1 February 2010.
World Cup ticket buyers who have any concerns can contact WA ScamNet on 1300 30 40 54 or wascamnet@commerce.wa.gov.au or check out the website: www.commerce.wa.gov.au/wascamnet
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Media Contact:
Alan Hynd
9282 0961 or 0429-078791
alan.hynd@commerce.wa.gov.au