But the Herald was told several families realised the vendor was providing inconsistent and misleading explanations, and parents contacted airlines directly and were told the tickets were not genuine.
The SkyKiwi website was reporting the allegations, and had spoken to some alleged victims who said they’d been in touch with police in Auckland.
SkyKiwi said the estimated losses amounted to 1.79 million Chinese Yuan Renminbi ($444,000).
A WeChat post claimed several affected customers had been planning to visit relatives in China and travel abroad at the end of the year.
“Due to rising airfares, many of them chose to purchase tickets through ‘agents’ on third-party platforms,“ the poster added.
Authorities in the southwest Chinese city of Xingyi in Guizhou province had reportedly been alerted to the alleged fraud.
This situation has had a serious impact on the community, the Herald reader said.
She said many victims were now unable to travel to visit relatives, especially as airfares had risen since they originally made their purchases.
Cath O’Brien, Board of Airline Representatives (Barnz) executive director, said the allegations highlighted the need for vigilance.
“Customers should always take care to ensure they are buying the airline tickets from the airline in question, or from a travel agent that they know and trust.”
It was not immediately clear what airlines were involved, or what contact New Zealand authorities have had with international partners about the alleged fraud.
New Zealand Police have so far not provided comment on the specific case or allegations.
“Police urge anyone who sees something they think might be attractive or a great deal to do their research, speak to friends and family, check with the Financial Markets Authority, and be vigilant about anything that seems out of the ordinary,” a police spokesperson said.
The Consulate General of China has been approached for comment.