Byron Bay festival Bluesfest targeted by scammers selling fake livestreams to unsuspecting fans
Fans of the popular Byron Bay festival Bluesfest have been left angry after fake pages appeared online trying to scam them.
A Facebook page, created in November 2023, imitates the festival’s official page and looks very convincing at a glance.
It offers full video replays and live streams for sale, but such material is not actually delivered once paid for, with some fans being duped after handing over their credit card details.
Complaints on the page include fans who have had their credit cards flagged by their banks, while others have had their scam alerts activated.
“Now my credit card has been blocked by (the) bank, so frustrating,” someone wrote on the fake page. Adelaide now.
Fans of the popular Byron Bay festival Bluesfest have been left angry after fake pages appeared online trying to scam them. Jimmy Barnes is pictured at Bluesfest
A Facebook page, created in November 2023, imitates the festival’s official page and looks very convincing at a glance. The fake page is pictured
“Is this why all my scam protections are shutting down my accounts,” another commented.
Bluesfest organizers were alerted to the scam and issued a statement to fans this week, urging caution.
“We have noticed an increase in fake pages, groups and events claiming to be associated with our beloved Bluesfest,” the statement said.
“We would like to remind everyone that there is ONLY ONE official Bluesfest page,” the post continued.
Bluesfest organizers were alerted to the scam and issued a statement to fans this week, urging caution. The official Bluesfest page is pictured
Complaints on the page include fans who have had their credit cards flagged by their banks, while others have had their scam alerts activated. Fans at the festival are pictured
‘We do not host live streams of our events. Any page or group that offers live streams is not affiliated with us.
‘Take personal responsibility when you use your credit card online. Always make sure you are on the official Bluesfest website before making any purchases or donations.”
Among the performers at this year’s annual event, which attracts 100,000 music lovers, are Jimmy Barnes, Tom Jones, Elvis Costello, Peter Garrett & The Alter Egos and Rickie Lee Jones.
It was held between March 28 and April 1 at Byron Events Farm in NSW.
Among the performers at this year’s annual event, which attracts 100,000 music lovers, are Jimmy Barnes, Tom Jones, Elvis Costello and Peter Garrett & The Alter Egos (pictured)