Don't be next: More than 1,500 victims have lost at least $1.1 million to concert ticket scams

Excited for upcoming Singapore concerts by international stars such as Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Shinee and Bruno Mars?

Be discerning when purchasing concert tickets from online third-party resellers and do not fall for scams, the police cautioned in a news release on Feb 2.

The police said at least 1,534 victims have fallen prey to such scams between January 2023 and January 2024, with total losses amounting to at least $1.1 million.

They added: "Victims would come across listings of concert tickets on online platforms such as Telegram, Carousell, X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook, and Xiaohongshu.

"Shoppers may wish to note that in January 2024, the most number of concert ticket scams involved tickets listed on Telegram.

"Victims who were duped by these listings would then approach the scammers via in-app messenger to purchase the tickets and may be redirected to WhatsApp/Telegram/WeChat for further interactions.

"Victims would then be instructed to transfer monies to scammers via PayNow, bank transfers or virtual credits (e.g. iTunes cards) to purchase the tickets.

"Upon making payment, the scammers would request for additional payments, delay the delivery of goods and/or become uncontactable."

Meanwhile, buyers who received 'tickets' would realise they had been scammed when the tickets were found to be invalid at concert venues or when the scammers refused to provide physical tickets or any proof of authenticity.

Members of the public are advised to adopt the following precautionary measures:

1. ADD - ScamShield App to protect yourself from scam calls and SMSes. Set security features (e.g. set up transaction limits for internet banking transactions, enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), Multifactor Authentication for banks and e-wallets).

2. CHECK - For scam signs and with official sources (e.g., visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-722-6688). Do not purchase tickets from third-party resellers. Use “escrow” payment options that protect buyers by releasing payment to the seller only upon delivery and avoid making advance payments or direct bank transfers as this method does not offer any protection to buyers. Purchase only from authorised sellers and legitimate ticket marketplaces/resellers, such as Ticketmaster as such sites offer verification of tickets and guaranteed refunds if victims receive invalid tickets. Alternatively, request for physical tickets and only make payment after receiving tickets.

3. TELL - Authorities, family, and friends about scams. Report the fraudulent listings to the social media sites.

If you have any information relating to such crimes or are in doubt, call the police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit it online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. All information will be kept strictly confidential. Dial '999' for urgent police assistance.

For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-722-6688.

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