Targeted By Scam, ZooTampa Warns Public Of Facebook Fraud

TAMPA, FL — ZooTampa at Lowry Park and the Tampa Police Department are advising the public to beware of an online Facebook scam that encourages people to buy tickets to a “hot air balloon festival” this weekend. The event and its promotion are fake, and are believed to deceive victims into purchasing tickets to the nonevent.

ZooTampa is working with police who are investigating the fraud. The event has also been reported to Facebook. Zoos in other states also have been victimized by a similar Facebook scam promoting non-existing hot air balloon festivals. Zoo officials ask the public to be aware that official, zoo-sanctioned events are always listed on the zoo’s official Facebook page and website.

Anyone who purchased tickets through the fake Facebook page should consider contacting their credit card company to report the fraud and filing a complaint on the organizers with the Better Business Bureau.

For more information, contact Sandra Torres in the ZooTampa Communications Department at 813-933-8004.