Business people, IT executives and a top Melbourne surgeon among victims of MCG corporate box scam

A charity and events identity who was conned in an elaborate fake ticket sting has got his money back – but others are still waiting to be reimbursed.

Tony Hachem (left) says he is in shock at the scam. Picture: Rosanna Faraci

Charity and events identity Tony Hachem has been reimbursed the money he was scammed of in a corporate box sting.

The elaborate operation that claimed his money also fleeced a prominent Melbourne surgeon out of more than $200,000.

Hachem paid $8800 for two boxes for the Collingwood-Carlton match at the MCG on Sunday and on Wednesday got the money back from the man he paid.

“I did what I did to put awareness out there about scammers and I felt sorry for my clients,’’ Hachem said.

“It wasn’t about the money. To hear about everyone else who have lost so much, it’s devastating. People are embarrassed and feel dumb so they don’t say anything. I’m still waiting for more and I’m told I’ll get the full amount this week.

“The ticketing system is not good enough and it’s misleading. The AFL can say buyer beware but they rely on individual ticketing companies to sell suites.”

A prominent Melbourne surgeon also fell victim to the scam, losing $200,000.

The surgeon said the scam was sophisticated — he had not received any money back yet.

“It’s just horrible. You feel stupid, like how could I be conned?,’’ the surgeon said.

“The number of people who have lost big amounts of money is staggering. You just wonder how someone can be so malicious.”

It is believed the scam has been in operation for months, with crooked sales of corporate boxes to numerous sporting events and the sold-out Billy Joel concert at the MCG.

Hachem said he was contacted by many people since the Herald Sun revealed the scam, claiming the man he trusted was part of the dodgy dealings.

Tony Hachem at the police station.

The man, who the Herald Sun has chosen not to name, convinced Hachem that he was scammed by someone else who uses a variety of aliases.

One of the victims confirmed he has met a second man using yet another alias.

“I’m just in shock,” Hachem said, adding that the scammer had done some work for his charity events.

“I trusted him,’’ he said.

“How do these people sleep at night?”

Hachem added: “The AFL need to take responsibility and have a proper ticket system.”

Another victim, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “It has been going on for too long.’’

The victim said the scammer “sells the same box to multiple people and then one party ends up trying to get in with already used tickets. It’s shameful.”

Victoria Police has confirmed it is probing the matter.