(Getty Images)
BBB serving Greater Kentucky and South Central Indiana warns of a potential scam involving a non-existent event. The Mellwood Art Center in Louisville Kentucky alerted BBB via BBB's ScamTracker of a website promoting an event called “Louisville Fashion Week.” The website, www.louisvillefashionweek.net, promotes a four-day event scheduled for November 6th through 9th at the venue. However, according to staff at Mellwood, they have no knowledge of Louisville Fashion Week and no such event has been booked at their facility.
Furthermore, the website also claims special hotel rates are available at the Brown Hotel and 21c Hotel when using the code LVFW. BBB has verified with both hotels that they do not have any special rates under this code. Image searches conducted via Google lens reveal that images appearing in the website’s gallery are actually photos from unaffiliated fashion shows and programs.
The website is currently advertising tickets for the Louisville Fashion Week, with prices ranging from $500 to $950. BBB strongly urges consumers not to purchase tickets through this website, as it is very likely a scam intended to rob victims of their money (and possibly personal information) by selling tickets to a fake event. Any consumers who have already purchased tickets through louisvillefashionweek.net are advised to contact their credit card issuer or bank and file a fraud alert.
How to spot a fake event
- Research before you buy. Search online for the event's name and ensure the name advertised matches the website. Scammers often use names that sound similar to those of real events or festivals.
- Check for (working) contact information. The festival website should have a real phone number and email address.
- Call the venue. Verify that the event is actually on their calendar.
For more information
Read BBB's tips for buying tickets to an event. For general information on how to avoid scams, visit BBB.org/AvoidScams.
For more advice, read BBB’s tips on online shopping. If you’ve spotted an event scam, report it to BBB ScamTracker. Subscribe to BBB Scam Alerts for weekly updates about new scams.