Qantas Account Suspended

Outrageous on 15/01/2024 - 22:33
Last edited 18/01/2024 - 01:38 by 1 other user

Hi all, I thought I'd make a post here as a PSA seeing as there is a marketplace for Qantas points on this site.

My Qantas account was recently suspended without notice after I breached their t&cs (multiple times) by booking someone else a reward ticket. Qantas have sent me an email requesting documentation within 14 days to prove the family relationship.

Has anyone else experienced anything similar lately?

I guess Qantas is cracking down now and there is still a risk even if you don't transfer points.

EDIT:
Alright everyone, I had a feeling I would get roasted. Yes I'm aware I may have breached the T&Cs. I made the post as a PSA and to stir up some discussion, not to seek sympathy. Always knew there were risks of booking flights for others, but clearly I've underestimated them.

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            • trotsky on 16/01/2024 - 11:59
              +1

              @djsweet: A gift card is not the same thing as points. Gift cards are purchased, a gift card is worth whatever the face value is in cash (give or take, especially if it's a shitty restrictive gift card). You redeem the points for a gift card, that's where they make their profit as the transfer value is usually poor - QFF allows you to do the exact same thing. Like for like is the ability to transfer the points themselves from one person to another, and you can't do that.

    • Drakesy on 16/01/2024 - 11:41

      The T's and C's are the T's & C's.

      then why are people in the thread losing sympathy for the OP just because they frequently break the rules instead of just occasionally breaking the rules.

      Because the OP's still breaking the rules?

      • cloudy on 16/01/2024 - 14:39
        -1

        It’s like the 8am rush in the CBD to get into the office, everyone is jay walking across because there are no cars and the foot path waiting is getting crowded, then all of a sudden one copper taps you on the should and says you’re breaking the rules.

        • Drakesy on 17/01/2024 - 18:40
          -1

          It's not really

          This is more like you're purposely jaywalking in front of a cop and act all surprised when he gets sick of you being a d*&#head and fines you.

          Definition of f@*k around and find out

          • cloudy on 17/01/2024 - 23:07
            +1

            @Drakesy: I’m not sure how OP is being a dkhead to Qantas, like did he do something other point sellers didn’t do? You must have the back story or something…

            And your link of him trading is no different to all the classified adds of other people doing it too, so don’t see how OP is being offensive

            • Drakesy on 17/01/2024 - 23:14
              +4

              @cloudy: It's the analogy, the OP was pushing the boundaries, Qantas permitted it up to a point but eventually the OP was taking the system for a ride (see classified ad and reviews documenting his repeated buying and selling) and Qantas acted.

              Sure run the gauntlet, but don't be surprised when they crack down on you like they've done here.

              • cloudy on 17/01/2024 - 23:15

                @Drakesy: Ah yep, I see what you’re saying.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/01/2024 - 11:53

      Exactly

      Why don't people on here actually go through the Classifieds, there's like 20 posts for people wanting to buy points, sell points or swap points!

      As someone else mentioned in the comments, if you did this once a year or even once every couple of years, I'm pretty confident you would never get flagged.

      Unfortunately, if you do it more than once a year, and it isn't an associated family account then perhaps it flags the system.

    • Gyr on 16/01/2024 - 13:22
      +2

      It's not unjust, they would not be able to offer these points programs if it was easy to trade. Not that trading is wrong, but when you break the rules you play at your own risk.

    • p1 ama on 16/01/2024 - 14:41
      -1

      then why are people in the thread losing sympathy for the OP just because they frequently break the rules instead of just occasionally breaking the rules

      It's not that OP breaks the rules, it's that OP breaks the rules then tries to act innocent and whinges about getting caught.

      I have no issues with people choosing to break rules, it's not my job to enforce them. However, I always find it distasteful when someone can't take responsibility for their actions - if you choose to gamble with not being caught, sometimes you lose, that's just part of the game. If you don't like it, don't play.

        • p1 ama on 16/01/2024 - 14:54
          +2

          As I've mentioned already, I consider the friendly folk on OzB family. Am I breaking Qantas T&Cs? Who knows.

          You wouldn't lie to your family.

          My Qantas account was recently suspended without notice after I made a booking for someone who wasn't clearly related to me (i.e they have a different last name).

          You are specifically being obtuse, what does it mean to make a booking "for someone who wasn't clearly related to [you]"? You made a booking for someone who isn't related to you and you got caught.

          You're making this point obtuse to make it sound like you're innocent.

          • Outrageous on 16/01/2024 - 14:59
            -1

            @p1 ama: You say I'm being obtuse but clearly you're not too sharp yourself.
            You really think I worded things that way to portray myself as innocent to the OzB crowd?
            The original post was a PSA/ warning to the many here who trade points. Not a whinge.

            • p1 ama on 16/01/2024 - 15:09
              +5

              @Outrageous: Yes, you are absolutely being obtuse and trying to make yourself sound like the victim of Qantas. If you were to actually be interested in providing a PSA, then this is how I would re-word your original post:

              My Qantas account was recently suspended without notice after I made a booking for someone who wasn't clearly related to me (i.e they have a different last name). 'Qantas account integrity team' have sent me an email requesting documentation within 14 days to prove the family relationship. Additionally all my future reward bookings have already been cancelled even before this 14 day deadline.

              After I sold some points and made a booking on someone else's behalf (unrelated), Qantas have suspended my account and cancelled all my future reward bookings (…etc.)

              I have never made any transfers from this account apart from legitimate ones to/from someone with the same family name and address. I did however make a few redemptions for family with different last names in the past year.

              (This is just additional obtuse language to try and colour the fact that "oh I'm so innocent").

              I guess Qantas is cracking down now and there is still a risk even if you don't transfer points.

              There are risks if you choose to break Qantas' T&Cs, e.g. by selling points to others through transfer, or by purchasing tickets on their behalf.

              • dtxau on 16/01/2024 - 21:42

                @p1 ama: How does Mr Obtuse come back from that other than your mum jokes. RIP @BrunoBear

              • ilubbargains on 17/01/2024 - 12:22

                @p1 ama: well written. I love a good use of the word 'obtuse'

        • Drakesy on 18/01/2024 - 00:14

          Am I breaking Qantas T&Cs? Who knows.

          Yes, yes you are.

  • May4th on 16/01/2024 - 11:19
    +6

    play with fire.. acts surprised when burnt

  • jonkvh on 16/01/2024 - 11:26
    +6

    So let me get this straight… knowingly breaks T&C's, then complains about them being enforced? Damn.

  • OpenAI on 16/01/2024 - 11:47
    +1

    When you trade or sell points using an account with top-tier status and a substantial number of points, you're exposing yourself to unnecessary risks, such as the possibility of your account being cancelled at any moment. Personally, when I sell points, I only do so from new accounts. Once I've received payment, any issues that arise subsequently become the responsibility of the buyer.

    • snorkey on 16/01/2024 - 23:27

      Interesting
      Have you had one of your “new” accounts suspended before?
      And can one create multiple accounts for the same person?
      Asking for a “friend” who’s gotten an account suspension and hasn’t replied to/contacted qff or deleted the account or done any transaction since 😅

      • Outrageous on 16/01/2024 - 23:30
        -2

        So looks like I'm not the only one then. Did your "friend" transfer points?
        Can they still log in to the acc?

        • snorkey on 17/01/2024 - 10:27
          +1

          Am sure you’re not the only one given the amount of activity on classifieds.
          She didn’t do point transfer. Her buyer logged on the account to obtain tickets.
          Can’t log in to the acc since the suspension.

  • Oxenfree123 on 16/01/2024 - 11:52
    +4

    Trying to take OzB for a ride thinking no one would check the receipts.

    What a fool.

    • Davelovesdealz on 16/01/2024 - 12:54
      +2

      Im confused why you think this is about booking a flight for someone else and not your history of buying and selling against T&Cs? I dont really care either way, just interested why you think your history is irrelevant?

        • Bren20 on 16/01/2024 - 15:03
          +1

          yes I think they're smart enough to look at IPs

    • vetopower on 16/01/2024 - 13:03
      +5

      What's most interesting about this post is your assessment of risk.

      It's a good example of how humans are terrible at assessing risk (read Taleb's books for a good analysis of the issue).

      Risk is not a binary concept. It is a statistical concept. Eg there is a 40% risk of rain tomorrow.

      But you are treating it as a binary concept.

      You thought the risk was low right up until the moment you were caught. From that point on you now think the risk was too high ('clearly I've underestimated them').

        • vetopower on 16/01/2024 - 13:13
          +1

          Risk probably was lower, but still not 0. And it sounds like you were a pretty egregious case.

          • Davelovesdealz on 16/01/2024 - 13:28

            @vetopower: Yea - sounds like you are using many accounts to scam the system. IPs are not hard to trace even with VPNs available to the general public….

    • May4th on 16/01/2024 - 17:11
      +2

      There's nothing stopping you redeeming for giftcards..ie cash. But you obviously tried to sell the points at a higher valuation for non-personal ticketing which Qantas has clear rules against. I don't think anyone is under the illusion that it was allowed, every points thread I've been across someone would post a warning about risk of losing points/account being banned for that type of transaction. I think people would have more sympathy if it was occasional rule breaking ie. Booking for a friend or extended family, not the almost commercial nature of points trading that you are alleged to be doing (which I must be honest have not verified myself and apologies if you are not guilty of such)

  • lilkid28 on 16/01/2024 - 12:39
    +4

    Thanks OP.

  • zubzub on 16/01/2024 - 15:10
    +8

    Sounds like you went a bit too far and finally got caught.

  • bobbified on 16/01/2024 - 15:15
    +9

    Got to give OP credit for accepting the fact that he f'd up and taking the roasting! haha

    • Drakesy on 18/01/2024 - 15:30
      +1

      Actually if you look at the revisions, the first post

      I have never made any transfers from this account apart from legitimate ones to/from someone with the same family name and address.

      If anything he was trying to make a case against Qantas and looking for sympathy.

      Not as angelic as it would seem

  • UltimateAI on 16/01/2024 - 15:33
    +1

    Thanks, wasn't actually aware of this restriction.

  • Harry Xing on 16/01/2024 - 15:51

    I don't understand your problem? Qantas have been proven to do whatever they like whenever they like without repercussion. Have you considered flying with someone else?

    • May4th on 16/01/2024 - 17:13
      +2

      Availability and product aside, QFF is a relatively relaxed program, everyone's favourite airline, Krisflyer is far more restrictive in how you can use their points

      • [Deactivated] on 16/01/2024 - 18:05
        -1

        At least you can find flights tho! Hahaha

        I booked J and F within 4 months, good luck with Qantas.

        You got 3 million people checking every 10 minutes 325 days before the date!

  • Dollar General on 16/01/2024 - 17:15
    -1

    Dan Andrew’s probably had something to do with it

  • avoidfullprice on 16/01/2024 - 17:53
    +8

    Thanks for your PSA, which are noted in your replies as the reason for post.

    A short and more complete picture in your original post, such as “…transfer points only to family members, but been sell/swap other qantas products like lounge passes and hotel vouchers… I guess Qantas is cracking down now and there is still a risk even if you don't transfer points.” would sit well and people will appreciate.

    Posting a PSA then in replies calling us unintelligent, not reading between the lines etc defensive shit is why this post is off putting.

    I hope the buyers on the classified are more lucky than you.

    • gromit on 16/01/2024 - 18:32
      +5

      basically what he should have said "Got caught out for selling/trading points to non family members in breach of T's & C's. Be careful if you do the same". Lot of double speak in his post to imply he is an innocent victim.

  • AircraftFreight on 16/01/2024 - 19:28

    All I'll say is this - QF is monitoring this website

    • Randolph Duke on 17/01/2024 - 09:38
      +6

      Is QF in the room with us right now? Blink twice if yes.

      • trotsky on 17/01/2024 - 13:21
        +2

        We are 112th in the queue for eavesdropping. Our private thoughts are important, please hold them in until one of our offshore spies are available.

  • TightAl on 16/01/2024 - 21:50

    How do you prove someone is your cousin if you don't have the same surnames?
    Kind of confused, I book flights for myself and friends together all the time..

    • Outrageous on 16/01/2024 - 22:13
      +1

      If you're travelling with them then I don't think it would throw up any red flags.

      • TightAl on 16/01/2024 - 22:18

        Ah right, i understand.
        Sheesh.. goodluck mate

    • AircraftFreight on 17/01/2024 - 06:34

      Send your birth certificate, then your parents birth certificate and then your cousins birth certificate

  • chk on 16/01/2024 - 22:30
    +5

    OP isn't denying breaching Qantas T&Cs.
    OP wants to highlight to us that Qantas is enforcing their T&C

    EndThread

    • Drakesy on 18/01/2024 - 15:31

      Actually if you look at the revisions, the first post

      I have never made any transfers from this account apart from legitimate ones to/from someone with the same family name and address.

      If anything he was trying to make a case against Qantas and looking for sympathy.

      Not as angelic as it would seem. The OP just got caught out by Ozbargain detectives.

  • quick-dry on 16/01/2024 - 22:47
    -1

    It's interesting that some people have mentioned similar with Velocity, when Virgin's official post-administration stance on people unable to use "future flight credits" was "use them to pay for your friend's flights" (especially heartless response to all the kiwi's left holding the bag when the only flight from NZ is from Queenstown in South Island, and before that most people flying were from North Island)

    • trotsky on 17/01/2024 - 13:22
      +1

      Flight credits are not a loyalty program, they were the customer's actual funds tied up in airline dollars instead of refunded as cash

      Velocity's T&Cs are no different to QFFs when it comes to sale of points / reward flights

  • DingoBlue on 16/01/2024 - 23:50

    If you were smart and had entered “cousin” how would you even be able to prove it?

    • Outrageous on 17/01/2024 - 00:01
      +1

      Obviously there's no way to prove it if you're not actually cousins. They would want a Stat Dec or you would have to dig up a lot of birth and marriage certificates (enough to show some familial relationship).

    • trotsky on 17/01/2024 - 13:29

      I think the assumption you are making is that they are out spot checking cousins regularly. I would suggest if you get asked, they have already established enough doubt in your story that a Stat Dec would be a very bad idea.

      Many more would get through than would get caught.

      • Outrageous on 17/01/2024 - 13:45

        Yep, that's just hypothetical. I agree that if they are asking for it you're probably already busted.
        I have heard from people that managed to wrangle out of it by making false documents, but that's not a line I want to cross.

        • May4th on 17/01/2024 - 14:02
          +3

          might have to cop it I think. making a false stat dec for a few hundred to thousand dollaroos worth in points is a different level of stupidity

  • cloudy on 17/01/2024 - 06:28
    +1

    Thanks OP & ozb fam for the PSA. I think the ozb community helped more accurately frame what you have done so the combination has made me more aware.

  • payless69 on 17/01/2024 - 09:33
    -4

    Now a chick is at the helm:

    Be single!

    Travel light, less to stuff up.

    Buy what you need, forget slavery points.

    Use the airline that offers the best value for cash, not points.

    Even Jetstar might become plausible. (less fictive virgins)

  • cantthinkofone on 17/01/2024 - 13:22
    +1

    Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. Hopefully Kris flyer follows suit and bans you as well

  • twotwotwo on 17/01/2024 - 14:12
    +3

    Your post history shows you have sold so many Qantas passes. jeez.

    • Outrageous on 17/01/2024 - 14:25
      -2

      As many have already pointed out….

      Most of the time when I sold passes, it was on behalf of friends/family they did the transfer themselves with their own acc. So i don't believe that played a role with my account getting shut down.

      • MrFunSocks on 17/01/2024 - 15:06
        +2

        Most of the time…………but not all the time. You clearly, blatantly broke their rules many times.

  • mitty on 17/01/2024 - 18:18
    +2

    “Qantas Integrity”. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.

    Personally I think it’s fair enough if the OP breached the terms and conditions. But Qantas are hardly innocent either.

  • fl360 on 18/01/2024 - 10:34
    -4

    My recent 15k airfare spend was not with Qantas - and I am not missing anything.

  • jar-unit on 18/01/2024 - 14:53
    -1

    just wondering how often / over what time period did you sell so we can avoid the same issue

  • randomusername2017 on 18/01/2024 - 17:46

    Hi all, I thought I'd make a post here as a PSA

    The only PSA here is don't deal with the OP or any accounts they appear to have transacted with in the classifieds.

  • Lunarboogie on 18/01/2024 - 18:30

    My sympathy OP. It's just bad luck. I have sold my fair share of points and know how lucrative it can be. You were just unlucky. Don't let the bastards get you.

    Simply create a new account in your son's/dad's name and use that as your proxy to continue reaping your ill-gotten gains.

    May the force be with you

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