The Singapore Police Force issued a warning about scams related to Lady Gaga concert tickets on March 21, 2025. They noted that a similar scam for Taylor Swift’s concert last year resulted in at least 1,050 reports with losses totaling at least $658,000.
The scam typically works as follows:
- Scammers post fake ticket ads on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Telegram, X, Carousell, and Xiaohongshu
- They may provide screenshots or videos of fake tickets/receipts as “proof”
- They create urgency by claiming limited availability
- Sometimes they request additional payments, claiming they didn’t receive the initial payment
- Victims only realize they’ve been scammed when no tickets arrive, scammers become uncontactable, or tickets are rejected at the venue
The police emphasized that only three authorized platforms are selling Lady Gaga concert tickets:
- Ticketmaster
- Klook
- KrisFlyer
Essential points about legitimate tickets:
- Tickets cannot be transferred or resold according to Ticketmaster’s terms
- Resale ticket holders will be turned away with no refund
- Tickets are only issued via Ticketmaster accounts one month before the event
- Tickets are never sent via email
- Tickets cannot be transferred between Ticketmaster accounts
The police advise the “ACT” approach to prevent scams:
- ADD: Download the ScamShield App and set security features
- CHECK: Only purchase from authorized sellers and verify suspicious contacts
- TELL: Report scams to authorities and warn others
For more information, the public can visit www.scamshield.gov.sg.
Analysis of Concert Ticket Scams
Key Patterns in the Scam
- Platform Selection: Scammers target popular platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Telegram, X (formerly Twitter), Carousell, and Xiaohongshu, where there’s less buyer protection than on official channels.
- False Authenticity: They provide convincing but fake “proof” through screenshots or receipts to build trust.
- Urgency Tactics: Creating artificial time pressure with claims of limited availability forces quick, less-considered decisions.
- Payment Manipulation: Requesting additional payments by claiming they never received the initial funds is a common escalation technique.
- Delivery Evasion: Becoming uncontactable after payment or providing invalid tickets that are only discovered at the venue entrance.
Prevention Methods
For Consumers:
- Purchase Only Through Official Channels
- Stick exclusively to authorized sellers (Ticketmaster, Klook, and KrisFlyer for the Lady Gaga concert)
- Understand that legitimate tickets have specific delivery methods (via Ticketmaster account only, never email)
- Verify Before Purchasing
- Research the seller’s reputation and history
- Use the ScamShield App to check suspicious phone numbers and links
- Call the ScamShield Helpline (1799) if uncertain
- Implement Financial Safeguards
- Enable two-factor authentication for bank accounts
- Set transaction limits on internet banking
- Activate Money Lock features to protect savings
- Be Skeptical of Transfer Claims
- Remember that for events like the Lady Gaga concert, tickets are non-transferable
- Be wary of claims about ticket transfers between Ticketmaster accounts
- Document All Communications
- Keep records of all interactions with sellers
- Take screenshots of advertisements and conversations
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For Authorities and Event Organizers:
- Enhanced Public Education
- Increase awareness campaigns before major events
- Provide clear information about official selling channels
- Improved Verification Systems
- Implement QR code verification for legitimate tickets
- Consider blockchain-based ticket solutions that prevent duplication
- Proactive Monitoring
- Monitor social media and marketplace platforms for unauthorized ticket sales.
- Take swift action against identified scammers
- Coordinated Reporting
- Establish easy reporting mechanisms for suspected scams
- Share information about known scammers across platforms
The most effective strategy remains prevention through awareness and strict adherence to purchasing only through official channels. The significant losses reported (over $658,000 from Taylor Swift concert scams) demonstrate how convincing these scams can be, making vigilance essential when purchasing high-demand concert tickets.
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