Auckland Transport media release

27 February 2014

Aucklanders should watch out for a possible AT HOP scam

Auckland Transport is warning its customers about a possible scam involving unauthorised sales of its new transport card.

Auckland Transport is aware that passengers have been approached on trains by two people offering to sell AT HOP Cards for $20 cash, promising purchasers would receive a $50 credit loaded on to the card. These cards had already been cancelled because they had previously been reported lost by customers.

Train passengers can purchase valid cards from Transdev ticket inspectors, wearing a uniform and carrying Transdev identification. These ticket inspectors also carry a device that reads the amount of credit on an AT HOP card, customers can ask to see this.

Auckland Transport has also been made aware of a couple in Papatoetoe who were approached by a group of three people going door to door claiming to be representatives of the organisation. They offered to sell AT HOP cards for $20 cash. The couple were asked to fill in a fake application form and told the cards would be posted in due course. They paid the money and heard no more.

Auckland Transport does not have representatives selling cards door to door.

In both instances, witnesses have described the alleged offenders as young males, aged 18-30. They appear Indian in origin and were wearing hi-visibility vests with the word “Ticket” on the back. Anyone approached by them should contact Auckland Transport on 355-3553. The police have been advised.

AT HOP is a reusable smart card which can be used for travel on trains, buses and ferries. Cards can be purchased online or from ticket offices at some train stations, (Britomart, Newmarket, New Lynn and Papakura), AT customer service centres, or at authorised retailers. http://at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/at-hop/get-a-card/find-a-retailer-or-buy-a-card-online/

© Scoop Media