Fake Taylor Swift ticket scam warning issued in Ontario

Those desperate to get Taylor Swift concert tickets may fall prey to scammers, police warn.

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour heads to Toronto for six dates at the Rogers Centre in November and tickets have been extremely difficult for fans to purchase.

Fraudsters are likely playing into the scarcity of tickets and police in Ontario are warning people to be on the alert.

“We’ve recently seen an influx in ticket scams, especially surrounding Taylor Swift tickets,” Niagara Regional Police posted on X today (Feb. 29) “Remember when buying concert tickets to do so through reputable sources. If the price seems too good to be true, it likely is.”

In December, the South Simcoe Police posted a similar warning.

South Simcoe Police received two reports of people who responded to ads for Taylor Swift tickets on Facebook Marketplace.

“In each case, when e-transfer payments were made, the ‘seller’ stopped all communication,” the South Simcoe Police post reads. “The scammer then usually blocks the victim’s account or deletes the fake account, leaving the buyer without their money or tickets.”

A quick look on Facebook turns up several posts for Taylor Swift tickets — many appear to be scams.

“Selling four Taylor Swift Tickets for Show Nov 16…” one post on a community Facebook group reads. “Send me a message for more info and price.”

Another post in a different group, claims the buyer bought them in a panic and can’t attend due to “conflicting commitments.”

This post was called out as a scam.

Police suggest people use caution when making online purchases with an unknown seller.

“Always try to exchange items and money in a public space,” the South Simcoe Police suggest. “Do some research on the seller. Avoid making transactions through Interac E-Transfer as once the money has been deposited, the transaction cannot be reversed.”

Lead photo: Paolo V