Singapore Police nab woman cheating Taylor Swift fans in S$24K concert ticket scam

SINGAPORE: Authorities have apprehended a 29-year-old woman suspected of orchestrating a scam that bilked victims out of over S$24,000 under the guise of selling tickets to a Taylor Swift concert.

The arrest follows a string of reports lodged between 3 and 7 March by individuals who responded to online listings on Carousell, an internet marketplace, promising tickets to the highly anticipated concert of the American pop sensation.

According to Singapore’s police, after the victims transferred payment through PayNow or bank transactions, the suspect failed to deliver the promised tickets and subsequently became untraceable.

The American pop sensation concluded her final performance of six sold-out shows last Saturday. Singapore was the exclusive Southeast Asian destination for Swift’s Eras Tour, thanks to a special arrangement secured by government agencies.

Previously, from 23 February to 9 March, Carousell had temporarily halted the sale of Swift’s tickets in Southeast Asia as a measure to combat scams.

In an official statement issued on 11 March, law enforcement officials from the Ang Mo Kio Police Division disclosed that their investigations led to the identification and subsequent arrest of the suspect on the same day.

The suspect is set to face charges for the offence of cheating, with the court proceeding scheduled for 12 March, as stated in the police announcement.

If convicted, she could face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison along with fines.

Authorities have also issued a stern advisory urging caution when engaging in online transactions.

They emphasized the importance of purchasing tickets exclusively from authorized sellers and reputable platforms.

Additionally, they encouraged utilizing payment mechanisms that offer buyer protection, ensuring funds are only released upon successful delivery.

The police underscored the risks associated with making upfront payments or direct bank transfers, highlighting the absence of safeguards in such transactions.

Consumers were also warned against falling for enticing offers that demand bank transfers in exchange for purportedly expedited transactions, even when presented with seemingly legitimate credentials.

To stay informed about scam signs from official sources, utilize the ScamShield WhatsApp bot at https://go.gov.sg/scamshield-bot, contact the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-722-6688, or visit www.scamalert.sg.