Latest news with #JaneLu
News.com.au
30-06-2025
- News.com.au
Showpo CEO Jane Lu reveals she was scammed on Paris work trip days after passport debacle
Just days after an Aussie fashion boss revealed how she was almost refused to board a flight from Sydney to Paris, another 'nightmare' has unfolded. Jane Lu, the owner of online retailer Showpo, recently revealed how water damage on her passport resulted in her almost being barred from flying - and now, she's shared her latest debacle. Ms Lu explained over the weekend that the apartment she'd booked to stay at while in Paris was a 'scam'. In a 'Get Ready With Me' video for TikTok, Ms Lu detailed how she got 'scammed' in an accommodation booking in a trip that she's since dubbed as 'completely cursed'. 'First the airline almost didn't let me on to my Paris flight because my passport had water stains, ' she explained, before pivoting to her colleague Jessica — who joined her on the trip — to provide more detail about the ordeal. Jessica picks up from Ms Lu, and explained that after getting off the 30-hour flight, the pair get to their accommodation to find out 'there's no accommodation'. 'We have been scammed,' Jessica explains. 'It was this Parisian loft. We were super excited. And then when we got there, we tried to get in and got to this one counter where we had to grab the keys … and he's like, this is not a real place … we don't have keys for it.' The accommodation, which was booked through did not exist. 'Three hours later we are finally our new accommodation which was so nice,' Jess added. Ms Wu then chimes in, declaring the trip as 'cursed' once again, before the pair said that more than AU$3500 had been given to scammers as a deposit. At the time of writing, the apartment Ms Lu and her colleague booked was still available on and was described as accommodating eight adults. The listing boasts a 'spacious accommodation' with 'four bedrooms and two bathrooms'. The property also includes a dining area, work desk, and a comfortable seating space. 'Guests can enjoy a fully equipped kitchen with a coffee machine, microwave, dishwasher, and oven,' the listing reads. 'Additional amenities include a washing machine, hairdryer, free toiletries, and a soundproofed environment' and is located just 22km from Paris Orly Airport. 'The apartment is a 19-minute walk from Parc des Princes, while other nearby attractions include the Eiffel Tower (3km), Arc de Triomphe (5km), and an ice-skating rink.' In a statement sent to a spokesperson for said they were investigating the incident and working through a full refund with Ms Lu. 'Our top priority at is to facilitate safe and enjoyable travel experiences for our customers and partners,' the statement read. 'We're sorry to hear about this guest's experience and we are following up to support their refund. 'Should travellers need support, our customer service is available for them 24/7 and in 45 languages. Travellers can simply select the booking they have a question about in their account and choose how they want to reach out, for instance via phone or message. 'We are constantly optimising the robust security measures we have in place to protect our customers and partners, and take the process of verifying accommodation listings extremely seriously. In the very rare instance that there might be some cause for doubt or concern with a specific property we investigate immediately, and where needed close the listing.' In an interview with the ABC in 2023, Queensland University of Technology Professor Cassandra Cross said scams related to accommodation were successful for offenders because booking online was commonplace. 'We are all expected to be on these platforms booking and putting in our credit card and personal information,' she said. 'That is what offenders know that we do and that is why they are popular and really quite effective.' Dr Cross added that the challenge for big accommodation platforms was the increasing number of listings. 'There is nothing to stop an offender creating listings or copying listings onto other sites, and that is what makes this a difficult and challenging scam sometimes to identify,' she said. 'The ability for offenders to replicate and create these fraudulent posts far outweighs the ability of platforms to remove them.' In 2023, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) Scamwatch program received 363 reports of scams mentioning with losses of over $337,000, according to the publication. This was an almost 600 per cent increase on 2022, during which only 53 reported scams referenced
Associated Press
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Showpo Teams Up with Love Island Star Grace Jackson for Femme Fatale Collection
SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA, June 30, 2025 / / -- Global fashion brand Showpo is excited to unveil its latest collection, Femme Fatale featuring Grace Rosa. This exclusive 23-piece capsule channels modern sensuality and bold femininity, blending Showpo's signature statement style with the confident presence of Grace Rosa Jackson, Love Island: All Stars runner-up, model, and social media personality. With prices ranging from $79.95 - $149.95, the collection embraces a bold, empowered aesthetic, defined by sheer fabrications and elevated design elements. Standout styles include sheer dresses, fitted co-ords, and eveningwear in green, yellow, and pink tones, alongside neutrals like black, white, and brown. Grace shared her excitement about modeling in the Femme Fatale campaign, saying: 'This collection is all about self-confidence and femininity and that's exactly how I felt shooting it in Paris.' 'Grace was the ultimate muse for this collection - her style, energy, and confidence were the perfect inspiration for our Femme Fatale collection,' said Jane Lu, founder and CEO of Showpo. 'She brought a magnetic presence to the campaign and perfectly captured the spirit of the Showpo girl. This range is all about making a statement with texture, shape, and sheer moments - and Grace brought it to life effortlessly.' Featuring lace, lurex, and sequin materials, along with plunging necklines, organic hardware accents, and draped silhouettes, Femme Fatale is designed to redefine night-out dressing for the bold and fashion-forward woman. An emphasis on texture, transparency, and striking tones brings a modern edge to occasionwear. Femme Fatale featuring Grace Rosa is available exclusively at For more information, follow @showpo on Instagram. Campaign assets can be found here. About Showpo: Showpo is a leading online fashion retailer based in Australia, known for its trendy, affordable clothing and accessories for women. Founded in 2010 by Jane Lu, the brand quickly gained popularity for its wide range of stylish pieces, catering to a global audience. Showpo is celebrated for its fun and inclusive approach to fashion, offering everything from casual wear to formal attire. With a strong presence on social media and a commitment to empowering women, Showpo continues to be a go-to destination for fashion-forward shoppers. Celebrity fans of the brand include Jennifer Lopez, Heidi Klum, Emma Roberts, and Eva Longoria. Sam Drucker Pull PR email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Daily Mirror
28-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Woman 'close to tears' as she 'can't board flight' due to 'passport error'
A woman was left almost crying as she was told she may not be able to make her journey to Paris as there was something wrong with her passport - but she had no idea there was a problem A woman was left almost sobbing as she realised she'd made a big passport mistake when she was travelling from Sydney to Paris. Jane Lu was trying to board her flight with a passport she'd recently used on two trips to America when she was told that she may not be able to fly due to there being something wrong with it. Over the top of the video, she wrote: "Help?! Has anyone ever had this happen?" as she explained the situation to her followers. Jane explained that she couldn't get onto her flight because staff told her her passport was invalid due to "water damage". "They're saying that I'm flying by China, and they might not let me through, and Paris might not let me through, but I've already flown twice with this passport to the US," she seethed, almost in tears. She said that because she'd gone to America twice on the passport when it was damaged, she "didn't think it would be a problem". In a follow-up video, Jane explained that she had to "sign a waiver" that said if she got turned away in Paris, she'd have to make the journey back to Australia, so she was nervous about what would happen, because she had an over-24-hour journey ahead of her. She said that she hoped they'd be "super chill" as she arrived in Paris, and it turned out they were, as she managed to get in and could complete her business trip successfully. In the comments, someone wrote: "I think the people at the check-in in Australia are just way too thorough. This happened to my sister. They told her she had to board the flight at her own risk as her passport had a water stain. But when we landed in Singapore, they did not even notice". Another defended the airport, however, saying "border security is paramount". A woman warned her to "apply for a new passport" and to ensure she "keeps it perfect," rather than allowing it to get water-damaged. "What I wanna know, how do SO many people get water damage on their passports? Are ya'all taking them for a swim?" someone fumed. A travel agent shared her advice, penning: "Travel agent here - a passport is a legal document, so, therefore, it must not have any damage. If an airline sends you to a place and you are denied entry, they receive a massive fine. "Also, you can be detained on arrival for having a damaged passport. Much better to be denied here than to be put in jail or be turned around at the other end. If it's damaged, it needs to be replaced. "Some countries take this pretty seriously. I had a customer detained when their family went overseas and their kid spilt water on their passport and risked it. It's not about intention, it's about being safe". According to My British Passport, if a passport is too damaged, then the owner of the passport may not be able to fly. They share that the extent of the damage determines whether it can still be used. Minor wear and tear might be acceptable, but if the passport cannot be read or the chip is damaged, boarding may be denied. According to the Post Office, the HM Passport Office classifies a passport as damaged if the following conditions are met: the details are indecipherable, the laminate has lifted enough to allow the possibility of photo substitution and the bio-data page is discoloured.
Daily Mail
27-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Aussie traveller books dream hotel in Paris... only to arrive and find out it NEVER existed: 'We are in disbelief'
The boss of an Australian fashion empire has told of the moment she tried to check into what she thought was a stunning apartment in Paris - only to discover the property never existed. Showpo CEO Jane Lu and her team booked what they thought was a dream Parisian four-bedroom apartment, just minutes from the iconic Eiffel Tower. After a long-haul flight from Sydney to France, the group was shell-shocked when they learned the accommodation they had been promised wasn't actually available. In fact, when they tried to check in at the reception desk, an employee claimed the luxury apartment they had booked was 'not a real place'. It suddenly dawned on them that they'd been duped by a fake listing on - after putting down a €2000 ($A3,570) deposit to secure the property. 'We got scammed. This work trip is completely cursed,' Jane said in disbelief. One of her colleagues Jess explained that the group had arrived at the accommodation after a 30-hour flight - only to be told they had nowhere to stay. 'We were super excited... When we got to our accommodation, we were trying to check in and we went to this one counter where you grab the keys and the receptionist is like, 'This is not a real place, I have no keys for it',' Jess explained. According to the listing, which is still available via the spacious unit offers four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen 'Side note, we've given €2000 ($A3,570) to the scammer as well as a deposit. So that's something we're gonna have to deal with at the end of this trip,' Jess said. According to the listing, which is still available via the spacious unit offers four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen. Under its 'house rules', guests are automatically charged a €2,000 ($A3,570) damage deposit seven days before arrival. The listing claims guests will be reimbursed within a week of check-out. 'We're sorry to hear about this guest's experience and we are following up to support their refund,' a spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia. 'Our top priority at is to facilitate safe and enjoyable travel experiences for our customers and partners. 'Should travellers need support, our customer service is available for them 24/7 and in 45 languages. Travellers can simply select the booking they have a question about in their account and choose how they want to reach out, for instance via phone or message.' Every accommodation on go through a strict verification process to prevent customers from falling for potentially fraudulent listings. 'We are constantly optimising the robust security measures we have in place to protect our customers and partners, and take the process of verifying accommodation listings extremely seriously,' the spokeswoman said. 'In the very rare instance that there might be some cause for doubt or concern with a specific property we investigate immediately, and where needed close the listing.' Jane and her colleagues had planned to use the space to shoot content for Showpo's homecoming fashion campaign. But things didn't go to plan, as the panicked girls spent the next three hours trying to find a new place to stay. 'We found an Italian restaurant to sit out for three hours trying to sort out with how we're going to deal with this all,' Jess explained. 'But all three of us have Australian numbers so in France, we can't call anyone... All of the numbers go to a French customer representative. 'I'm calling everyone, anyone that's awake, and this is literally the last thing we want to do after a 30-hour flight.' After hours of searching, the group finally checked into a new place to stay. 'It's so nice,' Jess said. Despite falling for the fake accommodation listing, Jane was just grateful to be in Paris - especially after her trip hadn't started off on the right foot. Jane said the work trip had been nothing short of a nightmare - after she nearly missed her flight from Sydney to Paris due to water damage on her passport. She was trying to check in at the airport when she was warned she might not be allowed into Paris because of water damage on her passport. 'I'm at the airport and they're telling me that I can't get onto my flight to Paris because my passport has water damage,' she said. Jane said she was eventually allowed to board the plane, but she had to sign a waiver to 'say that if Paris turns me away, I'll just have to come back'. 'So I signed it, but now I've got this 24 to 28 hour flight journey, and I still might get turned back,' she said. 'So hopefully the French are chill. It's a really long flight to get turned away but I got to try it, right?' She was heading to Paris for a work trip and had all the gear for the photoshoot with her, so if she didn't make it through customs, the campaign wouldn't happen. Jane appeared visibly nervous as she waited to disembark after her plane landed in Paris. 'This is the moment of truth: let's see if I get in or not,' she said. 'Maybe they'll be super chill, or maybe I'm going straight back to Sydney.' Thankfully, she managed to make her way through customs without a problem... until she discovered the apartment she had reserved through didn't exist.
7NEWS
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Show Po CEO Jane Lu issues warning to fellow travellers after passport detail almost derails Europe trip
An Australian fashion boss has issued a warning to fellow jet setters after a seemingly small passport mishap almost sabotaged her travels plans. Show Po CEO Jane Lu was Paris bound when she was initially told by Australian customs officials she would not be able to board her flight due to water damage on her passport. 'I'm at the airport and they're telling me that I can't get onto my flight to Paris because my passport has water damage,' she said in a TikTok video. The business owner didn't think the water damage would pose an issue at the airport given she had recently travelled to the US using the same passport without a hitch. Panic ensued when Ms Lu explained the Europe trip was for a campaign shoot for her clothing brand. 'I also have the luggage for our homecoming campaign that we need to shoot two days after I arrive,' Ms Lu continued. 'So if I don't make it the campaign won't happen.' In a follow-up video, Ms Lu manages to overcome the impending cisis by signing a waiver. 'I just got through, so she said that I have to sign a waiver to say that if Paris turns me away I'll just have to come back,' she said. 'So I signed it but I still might get turned back. Hopefully the French are chill.' 'It's a really long flight to get turned away but I have to try.' After leaving viewers waiting to hear the outcome upon landing in Paris, Ms Lu revealed the 'moment of truth'. 'Omg, it worked,' she exclaimed. 'My heart has never sat so high up for that long at a time, but I'm just glad I made it.' According to The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) website 'even minor passport damage can stop you from travelling.' 'Damage that might require you to replace your passport includes water damage, unofficial markings on the data page, missing visa pages or tears,' it stated.
