Beware: Taylor Swift Ticket Scam Targets Hundreds – How to Spot Fake Listings

Alleged Taylor Swift Ticket Scam Targets Hundreds

An alleged scam in Burlington, Ontario, has affected about 400 people, costing them approximately $300,000. Victims thought they were buying tickets for Taylor Swift’s concerts in Toronto but received nothing in return.

Details of the Scam

Annette Newton heard from a friend about a ticket reseller named Denise Blackhawk. After checking Denise’s credibility through friends and social media, Newton decided to buy four tickets for around $2,500 as a Christmas gift for her daughters.

Denise claimed she had access to corporate tickets. As the concert date neared, Denise assured Newton the tickets would be available soon. However, on the day tickets were expected, Denise reported that her third-party seller failed to deliver.

“I had to tell my four daughters who were excited to go that I just got scammed,” Newton said, expressing her distress. Her daughter, Emily, noted the emotional impact of the scam on their family.

Growing Number of Victims

After the initial incident, Newton connected with other victims. Jenny Beck, another mother who lost money on tickets for her daughter, echoed Newton’s sentiments, emphasizing concern for the children affected.

Victims created a shared online document to track details of their losses. Over 200 individuals have reported losses, with total spending exceeding $300,000. Alaina Attard confirmed the broad reach of the scam, stating that victims come from various locations, not just Burlington.

Investigation Underway

CTV News contacted Denise, who indicated she had filed a police report but did not provide further details before ending the call. Halton Regional Police are investigating the reports of ticket fraud. Police urge individuals to buy tickets only from verified resale sites to avoid scams.

The community continues to rally around the victims, sharing information and supporting one another in their quest for justice.