Taylor Swift fans caught in massive ticket scam haunting

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour was the most targeted concert in Scotland throughout 2024 by sinister scammers looking to flog fake tickets to unsuspecting victims in a bid to steal their hard earned cash.

Inspector Alasdair Penny, of Cybercrime Harm Prevention, said that Scotland's law enforcement will create a new Cyber Command in a bid to combat the scammers and frauds trying to steal from people as he opens up on the scale of the crime.

The majority of scams focused on the 34-year-old's event at the Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh in July, with Scottish police revealing 313 cases were reported from January-September 2024, but he also warns the true number will be far higher to due underreporting.

"We've noticed a trend in this type of crime reported around major events happening in Scotland," Penny told media. "The figures represent a significant proportion of cybercrime.

"But we believe these types of incidents are underreported and the true figure will be much higher. Reports relating to the Taylor Swift Eras Tour have made up the majority and we're aware there are a number of highly anticipated events next year, including the Oasis tour and TRNSMT.

"We have publicly raised the threat of cyber criminality and the increase in online offending and have put plans in place to address it."

How can I avoid being scammed?

According to the report, women aged between 18-24 are the scammers' preferred targets and accounted for six percent of all cyber fraud instances throughout the opening nine months of this year.

And with big events coming up soon, such as the Oasis tour in 2025, how can you protect yourself from scams and make sure you aren't going to be parting ways with your money for nothing?

"Our message is: be vigilant. If a price or offer seems too good to be true, it probably is," Penny told reporters. "Before purchasing, carefully review the ticket details for authenticity.

"Check for accurate event information, including the date, time and venue. Pay attention to the seating section or assigned seats, which can indicate fraudulent tickets.

"Buy from legitimate sources, check bank details provided and use secure payment methods. Credit cards and reputable online payment platforms offer additional protection against fraudulent transactions. Avoid paying with cash, wire transfers or unsecured payment methods.

"Please report any fraudulent activity to police. We will fully investigate and we work alongside partners to raise awareness and tackle those involved in such offences."