Online Scams in Victoria

Fake Butchart Gardens and Whale Watching Booking Sites

Fraudulent booking websites mimicking Butchart Gardens admission or local whale watching operators have been identified targeting Victoria visitors through paid search ads. These sites collect full payment and issue fake confirmation numbers that are rejected at entry. Victoria whale watching is a high-value purchase (often $100–$150 per person) which makes it a worthwhile target for fraudsters willing to create convincing replica booking pages. The fraud is often discovered only upon arrival at the dock on the day of the tour.