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Fake Conductor Scams Train Passengers
10 Jul
Summary
- An imposter posing as a conductor tried to steal financial data.
- The scammer used a fake device to trick passengers into tapping.
- V/Line confirmed the incident and reported it to police.
A recent incident on a Melbourne train saw a man allegedly impersonating a V/Line conductor, attempting to defraud passengers. The individual, described as young and average height, was seen wearing a yellow high-vis vest and using a device resembling a mobile phone. He approached numerous passengers, demanding they present their tickets by tapping their bank cards or smartphones.
This alleged scam happened just weeks after Victoria expanded its contactless payment system for train travel, allowing passengers to tap on with bank cards and phones. The man reportedly moved between carriages and stations, disappearing at suburban stops. A concerned passenger alerted a train conductor upon arrival at Southern Cross Station, who confirmed V/Line staff do not validate payment devices in this manner.
V/Line has acknowledged the incident, stating they are aware of the alleged impersonator on the Ballarat line and have reported it to Victoria Police. While the outcome remains unclear, passengers are reminded that official V/Line conductors will always be in uniform and display identification. Metro Trains has not reported similar scams.
