Subj : Polyfest tickets, live stream scam targets Pasifika communities
To   : All
From : News Person
Date : Sat Mar 02 2024 01:05 pm

A spate of scam activity on social media has targeted Pasifika communities in
the lead up to New Zealand's largest Pacific festival.

The major sponsor of Polyfest said fake accounts on Facebook and Instagram
created by scammers - with Polyfest logos and branding - were attempting to
"sell" tickets and live stream links to those wanting to watch the upcoming
event.

Victims are asked to pay for these fake tickets or access to the live stream
via fraudulent payment links, which are then used to steal debit and credit
card information.

"We're really concerned about this scam activity, which is hurting the very
people Polyfest aims to celebrate and we understand this is one of several
current scams which are likely to impact these same communities," said ASB
executive general manager technology and operations David Bullock.

Scammers also tried to offer fraudulent live stream links to the funeral of
Green MP Efeso Collinsin the past week.

Bullock said scam activity of all kinds was increasing and people needed to
be vigilant.

"If you have friends or family in the Pasifika community here or in the
Islands, or who might be interested in these events, let them know."

Legitimate tickets to Polyfest cost between $7.50 and $10 each and would only
be sold through the iTICKET NZ site.

The event would be live streamed for free on the ASB Polyfest website from
March 20 when the festival began.

Fans would not be asked to enter any payment details to access the live
stream and no tickets would be sold via social media pages or direct message.

Tips for spotting fraudulent profiles
Fake business email addresses
Suspicious URL links (containing a different name, for example)
Spelling mistakes
Blurry logos, images or other brand assets
Few or no followers
Only recently joined the social media platform.

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