There is a scam website targeting Dubliners on social media with false claims that an illuminated drone show will take over Phoenix Park in May.
The bogus adverts, seen across Meta platforms like Instagram, claim that from 7pm on May 1,2,3,8,9 and 10, the Phoenix Park will play host to one and a half hours of “art, technology, gastronomy and unforgettable moments.” Tickets for the fake show, priced at €17.00, claim to include a free drink and access to a “special” food menu” – including vegan options.
The scam claims that over 400 drones will create stunning visuals such as phoenixes, hearts and the Irish flag in the night sky – despite the show beginning at 7pm and sunset time in Dublin now approaching 9pm.
The website hosts conflicting information, such as claiming that he “doors” of Phoenix Park will open to ticket holders at 8.30pm, despite the show time claiming to be 7pm.
In another inconsistency, a separate section of the site claims the show starts at 10pm. They also guarantee a seat for all attendees, but say that every ticket provides a “front row seat.”
The scam website
A timer on the site also adds pressure to buy tickets with haste, with the timer counting down the remaining minutes until the ticket “price increases.” When the timer runs out, it simply restarts.
The same site also claims that every single ticket gets attendees “exclusive backstage access” to a “meet and greet” to meet the programming and technical team behind the fake event.
The website, named imensia, has been exposed by Cork Beo, as it purported to be running the same event in Fitzgerald’s Park in the Rebel County. The “spectacular evening of drone light shows” has been shut down as a scam by Cork City Council.
A spokesperson for Cork City Council told CorkBeo: “Cork City Council has become aware of online ads promoting a drone light show in Fitzgerald’s Park. The Council has given no permissions for the staging of any such event in the city park.
“We would urge the public to check official sources for information (Cork City Council’s social media platforms on Instagram, Facebook) about events in public parks, and to exercise caution before paying online for ticketed events in ads like these.
“If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of online advertisements, you can report them to the platform on which they appear.”
ScreenshotThe scam website
The website advertises the same shows in Cork, Galway, Dublin and Limerick. A search of the domain name registration for this company shows it was only registered last year and expires shortly.
A search of the Phoenix Park website shows there are no upcoming events listed of this description.
Gardai advise that if you believe you have been the victim of an online scam or fraud you should report it to your local Garda Station, and also use the online reporting service of the website or forum on which you were scammed.
When reporting to your local Gardaí, bring copies of all emails, account details, copies of the advertisement of online posting and any other relevant information you may have.
“Most users of the Internet will have fallen victim or encountered an online scam in which attackers attempt to obtain personal information such as logon profiles or banking details. In addition, users may have received emails offering them the change to share in a secret fortune or to claim their lottery win or tax refunds. These are some of the scams that circulate on the Internet and about which online users should be aware,” they said.
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