The Police would like to remind the public to be discerning when shopping online, especially when purchasing concert tickets from online third-party resellers. Since March 2023, at least 137 victims have fallen prey, with total losses amounting to at least $170,000.
In this scam type, victims would come across advertisements for concert tickets on online shopping platforms such as Carousell, Xiaohongshu and Twitter. Scammers would claim that the ticket sales were time-sensitive or had limited availability, to convince buyers into making advance payment for the tickets. Victims would realise they were scammed when they did not receive the tickets after making payment or when they were refused entry at the concerts as the tickets were fake.
The Police would like to advise members of the public to adopt the following precautionary measures:
- ADD - ScamShield App and set security features (e.g., enable two-factor (2FA) or multifactor authentication for banks and set transaction limits on internet banking transactions). When purchasing tickets online, use “escrow” payment options that protect buyers by releasing payment to the seller only upon delivery, where possible. Avoid making advance payments or direct bank transfers to the seller as this method does not offer any protection to buyers.
- CHECK - For scam signs and with official sources (e.g., visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-722-6688). Purchase only from authorised sellers or reputable sources, especially for high-value items and arrange for a physical meet-up with the seller to verify the authenticity of the tickets prior to making payment. Bear in mind that the party that you are dealing with online is a stranger.
- TELL - Authorities, family, and friends about scams. Report the fraudulent advertisements to the online shopping platforms!
If you have any information relating to such crimes or if you are in doubt, please call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit it online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. All information will be kept strictly confidential. If you require urgent Police assistance, please dial ‘999’.
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-722-6688. Fighting scams is a community effort. Together, we can ACT Against Scams to safeguard our community!
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
20 April 2023 @ 12:35 PM