York Regional Police are warning the public about a hot-air balloon scam that left potential riders grounded.
Investigators say a victim responded to a social media ad for hot-air balloon rides on June 4 through a company called The Candle Experience 2025. After paying $45 to book a ride, they went to a park on July 5 in the area of in Markham as instructed.
When they arrived, there were no hot air balloons, police said.
“They were met by a large number of people who also showed up for a hot-air balloon ride,” . “It was soon discovered the victims had fallen victim to a scam as there were no hot-air balloons or staff from ‘The Candle Experience’ present at the park.”
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A similar incident occurred on July 12, when a large number of people went to the same park expecting a hot-air balloon ride, police said.
Officers are reminding people to “be wary of deals that seem too good to be true” as “hot-air balloon rides typically cost a few hundred dollars.”
To avoid becoming a victim of a scam, police are also urging people to check customer reviews on various online platforms before booking, obtain a physical address and contact information for the company to help verify authenticity, and confirm your booking through email or phone.
Allie Moustakis is a staff reporter, working out of the Star’s
radio room in ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½. Reach her via email: amoustakis@thestar.ca
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