Taylor Swift’s n fans have been left devastated after their tickets have reportedly disappeared amid a rise in scams.
Swifties are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Taylor’s sold-out Eras tour Down Under, which is set to sweep the country in a matter of days, and many are still trying to get their hands on tickets.
However, some fans have claimed that their tickets have suddenly ‘disappeared’ or their accounts have been hacked.
Ticketek has told how they are dealing with ‘thousands’ of queries relating to ‘fraudulent tickets’ as they try to curb scammers, according to Yahoo.
One Perth fan told the publication he purchased tickets in June, but suddenly received an email from Ticketek confirming his tickets had been sold through the vendor’s online marketplace.
Taylor Swift’s n fans have been left devastated after their tickets have reportedly disappeared amid a rise in scams
Another Swiftie claimed that their tickets were also ‘stolen’ straight from their account by a hacker in a devastating blow.
‘The account was hacked with the email, password and bank details all changed on Ticketek. The hacker sold them on the marketplace, taking the money or selling to themselves.’
The distraught fan claimed they had already paid for flights and accommodation to travel to the concert, and alleged that there had been a ‘lack of customer support’ from Ticketek.
Swifties are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Taylor’s sold-out Eras tour Down Under, which is set to sweep the country in a matter of days (pictured: Fans at the Eras tour in Los Angeles)
The n ticketing company said it was working ‘around the clock’ to assist with fans’ inquiries and said its team is dealing with ‘thousands’ of queries relating to fraudulent tickets and other scams.
Ticketek will be launching customer service pop-ups at each concert venue ahead of the shows in a bid to assist fans with any ticket-related queries.
A spokesperson for Ticketek told Daily Mail : ‘Ticketek’s customer solutions Team are working around the clock to assist customers with their Taylor Swift Ticketing enquires. Unfortunately, our team are also dealing with thousands of queries that either relate to fraudulent tickets or other scams.’
‘The Ticketek team are constantly monitoring web and social channels to detect and remove any such sites. Unfortunately, these are indicative of the length unscrupulous fraudsters will go to capitalise on the Taylor phenomenon. We will continue to dedicate significant responses to ensure that real fans are protected.
‘Additionally, Ticketek is also committing significant resources to ensure Taylor Fans are supported by opening Customer Service pop ups at each venue, from the Wednesday prior to each show. More specific details will be shared shortly.’
It comes just one day after Victoria Police urged fans to be on the lookout for scammers if trying to source any last minute tickets for the Eras tour.
However, some fans have claimed that their tickets have suddenly ‘disappeared’ or their accounts have been hacked amid a wave of scammers targeting Swifties
The state’s Cybercrime Squad explained how scammers are targeting eager fans with fake ticket sales on social media and gave advice on how to spot the scams.
The statement read: ‘Capitalising on demand for tickets, scammers are targeting fans with fake ticket sales through social media, often hacking accounts of individuals and then using the profiles to sell fake tickets to the victim’s friends.’
‘The scammers will advertise their tickets ‘at cost price’, with a story behind why they can no longer attend.’
‘Check it once, then check it twice – they may try to rush you into buying the tickets and transferring them money. As well as the ticket price, they’ll likely ask you to pay the extra fees to change the name on the ticket.
‘They will often send what they purport to be a screenshot of the email confirmation of having bought the tickets, making the scam look more legitimate.
‘Then, once you’ve transferred the money, life will lose all its meaning for the last time, and the profile will block you.’
Victoria Police said it has already received at least 250 reports of ticketing scams – totalling more than $260,000 – since the Eras Tour kicked off in June last year.
It comes after Victoria Police issued a stark warning to fans as they urged them to be on the lookout for scammers if trying to source any last minute concert tickets
Taylor’s n leg of the Eras tour is set to kick off at Melbourne’s Cricket Ground on February 16, with the global superstar taking to the stage three nights in a row.
She is then set to travel to Sydney, where she will perform at the Accor Stadium for four nights from February 23-26.
She will be supported on the n leg of the tour – which sold out in just over an hour when tickets first went on sale – by American singer Sabrina Carpenter.
If you have been the victim of cybercrime, speak to police if you have concerns about a matter, or use online forums such as ReportCyber which will assess the report and provide them to police.
Anyone with knowledge of these incidents and those responsible is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppers.com.au.
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