Question 1

What is the "Short-Change at Queen Victoria Market Stalls" scam in Melbourne?

Accepted Answer

At the Queen Victoria Market on Victoria Street and Elizabeth Street, some vendors deliberately give incorrect change — particularly to tourists paying with AUD $50 or $100 notes. The technique typically involves counting change back quickly and verbally, or handing over notes folded together so a $10 note is disguised within a $50 return. The busy market environment and the social pressure of a queue behind you makes it easy to walk away without checking. The Sunday market and the Wednesday and Friday night markets are peak periods for this tactic. Carry smaller denominations when shopping at markets and count your change before moving on. If you hand over a large note, state the amount clearly ("I'm paying with a $50") and recount the change in front of the vendor. If the amount is wrong, address it immediately before stepping away from the stall.

Question 2

What is the "Overpriced Crown Casino ATM" scam in Melbourne?

Accepted Answer

ATMs inside Crown Casino charge high fees (AUD $3–5 per withdrawal) and offer dynamic currency conversion to foreign cards, compounding the cost to tourists withdrawing cash for gambling. Withdraw cash from a bank-branded ATM on Collins or Bourke Street before going to Crown. Always select Australian dollars when the currency choice is offered.

Money & ATM Scams in Melbourne

Short-Change at Queen Victoria Market Stalls

Overpriced Crown Casino ATM

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