In recent years, Jeweller has extensively documented the various types of scams that unfold around major industry gatherings such as the Sydney Fair.
The most common type of scam involves attendee lists. People who claim to have an upcoming show's attendee list contact suppliers with an offer. For a price, suppliers can purchase the contact details of every visitor in advance of the event.
In the past, scammers have even used the show’s name and logo in these emails. Jeweller is aware of a number of these emails currently circulating.
Expertise Events managing director Gary Fitz-Roy said that over the past 30 years, he’s witnessed many forms of this scam unfold and that commonsense and caution are important.
“We would never sell our database. That’s not something we would do,” he told Jeweller.
“It’s important to understand that under privacy laws in Australia, we can’t release our database to anyone. You can’t distribute anyone’s personal details without their approval and permission.”
He added: “Expertise Events has the largest database of jewellery retailers and buyers by far, and we take their privacy very seriously.”
In the past, Jeweller has contacted these scammers to learn more about their supposed offers. The packages are usually comically inconsistent, with some scammers offering a database of 3,000 buyers while others claim to have nearly 15,000.
One scammer even suggested he could provide an exhaustive database of around 40,000 jewellery stores in Australia. Jeweller’s 2024 State of the Industry Report documented just 3,500 stores as recently as December!
Fitz-Roy suggested that these scammers often target suppliers not planning to attend the event by presenting a cheap and easy way to access a database of buyers.
He also drew attention to the recent widespread internet outage, noting that online scammers often look to take advantage of unforeseen circumstances and significant events.
“The golden rule is to ask a question if you’re unsure. Pick up the phone or send an email about any offer you receive relating to the Sydney Fair, and we’ll get back to you with the answer. That’s an easy way to avoid making an expensive mistake,” he explained.
“We communicate regularly with our exhibitors. It’s important to know that if you receive an email about the show from someone who isn’t a recognisable member of our staff, it’s probably a scam.”
A deeper investigation revealed that service provider GoDaddy hosts most of the websites operated by scammers. Jeweller contacted GoDaddy about this issue and received a lacklustre response despite the company's claims that it takes cybersecurity seriously.
The International Jewellery Fair will occur at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour from 17-19 August.
More reading
Jewellery Trade Shows III: More facts and figures without ‘spin’
Jewellery Trade Shows II: Is all ‘fair’ in love and war?
Jewellery Trade Shows I: The facts and figures without puffery
US tech giant GoDaddy silent amid jewellery scammers controversy
Jewellery fair scammers back in business
Warning letter issued over Jewellery Fair scam