Adelaide MotoGP targeted by online scammers selling fake tickets ahead of event

Scammers are targeting Australia’s newest motor racing event more than a year before it is due to take place.

Adelaide is due to host a major MotoGP event in November next year on a controversial street circuit in the South Australian capital.

But authorities are warning race fans to be wary after the groundbreaking event was caught up in a scam website scandal.

The SA government has said a website has been set up claiming to be the event’s official ticket vendor and has shared several pieces of misinformation about the race.

The website has several telltale signs that it is not legitimate – such as contact details with an area code based in Czechia – but authorities still fear some may be caught out.

“It is very concerning that this page purporting to be an official MotoGP Adelaide website and containing misinformation and AI content is circulating on social media,” said Michael Brown, cabinet member for consumer and business affairs in SA.

“Not only does the page contain inaccurate information about camping in the Park Lands and the Adelaide circuit, it claims to be an official ticket seller and is encouraging people to sign up and provide their personal information.

“This information can be used to purport scams or used for nefarious purposes.

“With the popularity of MotoGP, this page has the potential to reach a lot of South Australians who could potentially be scammed so please be on high alert.”

Mr Brown said red flags for scam websites include requests for unusual payment methods or currencies from overseas.

The scam website included a number of inaccurate pieces of information about the race, such as incorrect details about the circuit length and the claim that TicketsGP – a Czechia based company – is the event’s official ticket vendor.

Meanwhile, the city centre circuit, which is based around the original Adelaide Formula 1 course, continues to divide opinions.

While the move to bring speed back to the city has been welcomed by racing fans, many others have raised serious concern over its environmental impact.

The $96m project to redevelop the circuit requires changes to be made to the city’s Eastern Parklands, which will see the estimated removal of almost 400 trees.