Beijing Olympics Ticketing Scam
An elaborate scam involving the sale of Beijing Olympic tickets is making news around the world. Unknowing victims have lost their money in purchasing tickets only for the tickets not to arrive.
Several weeks ago, the International Olympic Committee have successfully shutdown a domain that was involved in a scam regarding the sale of non-existent Beijing Olympic tickets. However, this has not deterred scammers from trying.
In this latest scam, on the face of it (see inset above), the website in question looks legitimate and professionally done. However, probing deeper into the website reveals certain flaws common to scammers.
a. The use of email address as the only means of communication.
b. Inconsistencies in the domain registration. In this case, the phone number listed is a UK telephone number but the office is hosted in a US address (or more specifically in Phoenix, Arizona).
As always, buyers should be very cautious when purchasing items online and to take extra precautions especially when it involves money transactions of a significant amount. When in doubt, do not purchase.
Interested ticket buyers can visit the official Beijing Olympic ticketing website.
SophosLabs have blocked access to the fake domain.
Posted on August 4th, 2008 by CheeHui, SophosLabs AUFiled under: General
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