Gold Coast Marathon Ticket Scam Leaves Runner Empty-Handed

• ticket-scams
• event-fraud
• online-safety

Scammers are targeting sold-out sporting events like the Gold Coast Marathon. Learn how a runner was tricked and how you can protect yourself.

Scammers Exploit Gold Coast Marathon Ticket Rush

Jess Iapella, a 36-year-old executive assistant from the Gold Coast, thought she was savvy enough to spot a scam. But like many would-be runners desperate for a ticket to the sold-out Gold Coast half marathon, she became a victim of a convincing Facebook scam.

After posting a request on a marathon Facebook group with over 4,000 members, she was contacted by someone appearing to be a fellow runner. Their profile even featured a photo of them wearing a race medal—classic social engineering at play. Jess agreed to transfer money via PayID for the ticket, but red flags quickly appeared.

Recognising the Scam

“After I paid the initial amount they then asked for a name change fee,” Jess explained. Knowing that no such fee existed, she realised she was dealing with a scammer. By then, her money was gone and there was no ticket in sight.

Massive Demand, Perfect for Exploitation

This year’s Gold Coast half marathon tickets, priced up to $170, sold out in just four hours. The full marathon, costing up to $215, followed in four days. With more than 10,000 people on the waitlist, scammers are taking full advantage of FOMO (fear of missing out).

Cybersecurity Experts Weigh In

Griffith University cybersecurity expert David Tuffley says this kind of fraud is becoming more common. “Scammers feed on urgency and desperation. Major events with high demand are prime targets,” he said.

Dr Tuffley also warned that with AI tools, scams are harder to detect—poor spelling and grammar are no longer the easy giveaways they once were. He advises looking for signs such as:

• Offers significantly below face value
• Pressure to act quickly
• Unverified payment methods like PayID or bank transfers

Official Response and How to Stay Safe

Gold Coast Marathon organisers confirmed they allow ticket transfers, but only through their secure registration portal. CEO Ben Mannion explained, “No money should change hands. We can talk participants through the official process.”

He compared the situation to major concerts like Taylor Swift’s, where ticket scammers are also rampant. “Be diligent. If in doubt, contact us directly,” he advised.

Role of Social Media Platforms

Jess reported the scammer’s profile to Meta, and it was taken down quickly. But she believes more can be done. “Couldn’t Meta detect fake profiles sooner—especially if images are lifted from real runners?” she asked.

What to Do if You’ve Been Scammed

• Report the scam to the platform (e.g. Facebook or Instagram)
• Contact your bank or payment provider immediately
• Report the incident to Scamwatch or the Australian Cyber Security Centre

Looking Ahead

Despite the disappointment, Jess is already eyeing next year’s event—with more caution this time. “Maybe next year I’ll be ready for the full marathon,” she said with a smile.

The key takeaway? Always verify the seller, use official transfer portals, and never pay for tickets outside trusted systems. Scammers may be smart, but you can be smarter.