Poker star Tony Hachem among business identities conned in AFL corporate box scam

A number of business people, including poker star Tony Hachem, have lost large sums in a fake ticket sting for corporate boxes at the Collingwood-Carlton blockbuster.

More than $600,000 was allegedly rorted from multiple businessmen including Tony Hachem (left). Picture: Rosanna Faraci

Police are investigating after scammers struck Melbourne businessmen, including poker star Tony Hachem, in a fake ticket sting for corporate boxes at Sunday’s Collingwood-Carlton blockbuster.

Mr Hachem, a charity and business identity, urged the AFL to do more to protect fans after he discovered tickets for two boxes he purchased to the MCG match were not ­legitimate.

After buying dud tickets from a businessman, Mr Hachem took his case to police on Saturday afternoon.

He said police told them they were aware of the scammer who is known to use multiple aliases.

Tony Hachem says the AFL needs to do more to protect fans. He is pictured with his brother Joe. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

More than $600,000 is alleged to have been rorted from multiple businessmen by the fake corporate box ticket scam.

“I was shocked and gobsmacked,” Mr Hachem said.

“If the AFL knew this guy was around they should have got on the front foot.

“I’ve raised thousands for charity and wanted to help some clients, it shouldn’t happen. The AFL need to find a way to improve security – innocent people are losing money.” The AFL was contacted for comment.

Victoria Police on Sunday night confirmed it was probing the matter.

“Police have received an initial report of allegedly fraudulent tickets being sold to sporting events for this weekend,’’ it said. “The investigation is in its infancy at this stage and further inquiries are being made.”

The tickets emailed to Mr Hachem, and seen by the Herald Sun, looked genuine and claimed to have gate one entry.

It is believed scammers also targeted fans hoping to buy corporate box access to Dreamtime at the ’G on Saturday and last year’s sold-out Billy Joel concert at the MCG.

The businessman who sold Mr Hachem the packages claimed the seller confessed on WhatsApp that the tickets were fake before his account disappeared and previous messages were deleted.

Mr Hachem paid $8800 for each box to accommodate 14 people, only to find out the tickets were worthless the day before the Pies-Blues clash.

“One of my clients had an anxiety attack and doesn’t even care about the money,” he said. “It’s not the way we operate.”

Mr Hachem repaid his client out of his own pocket and was helped by Carlton and his friend Kate Jesaulenko, who organised a table to the president’s function at the eleventh hour.