Skip to content
Eras Tour Swift

Scammers target Swifities claiming 1.2M

Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” has not only been a monumental success but has also unfortunately attracted numerous scams targeting her fans, known as Swifties. These scams have been particularly prevalent in ticket sales, exploiting the high demand for Swift’s concert tickets.

Scams in Ticket Sales

Swifties have been losing significant amounts of money to fake ticket scams. In Ottawa, Canada, fans reported losses of up to $2,000 due to fraudulent ticket sales for Swift’s sold-out Toronto shows. The scams often occur on social media platforms and resale websites, where fans are duped into buying non-existent tickets. The Ottawa Police Service has noted an increase in such reports, with scammers taking advantage of the excitement around the tour.Similarly, in the United Kingdom, Swifties have been targeted by scams that have cost them around $1.2 million. These scams predominantly affect individuals aged 25 to 34 and occur on platforms like Facebook, including Facebook Marketplace. Lloyds Bank has issued warnings about these scams, noting the existence of numerous unofficial Facebook groups where tickets are bought and sold.

Global Impact and Police Warnings

The issue of ticket scams has garnered international attention, with police forces in various countries issuing warnings. Victorian police in Australia have reported over $260,000 lost to ticket scammers who hack social media accounts and target the friends of the hacked accounts. These scammers often rush their victims into making quick payments for fake tickets.In Singapore, the police have also issued advisories following a surge in concert ticket scams, particularly involving Swift’s tour. Victims often find themselves paying for tickets that are either invalid or never delivered.

Tips for Avoiding Scams

Given the widespread nature of these scams, it is crucial for fans to be vigilant. Here are some tips to avoid falling victim to ticket fraud:

  1. Purchase from Official Sources: Always buy tickets from authorized sellers or official ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster, which provide guarantees and secure transactions.
  2. Verify Seller Identity: If buying from a resale site or social media, verify the identity of the seller and check their selling history
  3. Use Secure Payment Methods: Opt for payment methods that offer buyer protection, such as credit cards or PayPal. Avoid direct transfers like Zelle or Venmo, which do not offer such protections
  4. Be Wary of Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often lure victims with prices significantly lower than market value.

The excitement surrounding Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” has unfortunately made it a prime target for scammers. Fans must exercise caution and adhere to safe buying practices to avoid falling prey to these fraudulent schemes. By purchasing only from reputable sources and staying vigilant, Swifties can protect themselves and ensure they enjoy the concert without falling victim to scams.

Sources :