The Canadian Anti-Fraud Center says the number of reports this year of people being duped into trying to see the artist has climbed to 190.
Spokesperson Lisanne Roy Beauchamp says most victims are contacted through compromised accounts of people they know.
Victims believe they are purchasing the tickets from someone they trust and are asked to send wire transfers to obtain fake tickets.
Roy Beauchamp says the use of compromised accounts indicates a higher level of sophistication on the part of fraudsters.
Taylor Swift kicked off the Canadian leg of her tour Thursday night and many fans The Canadian Press spoke with are in town without having yet secured tickets.
If a friend or colleague offers them tickets online, the anti-fraud center has already suggested that fans contact the potential seller on another platform, for example by text or by phone.
“The use of compromised accounts is concerning because it indicates a higher level of sophistication on the part of fraudsters,” the spokesperson said in an email. Additionally, our data shows that wire transfers are the primary payment method.”
