Adedokun Waliyu 
As excitement grows over Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour making three appearances in Vancouver, so does the likelihood of bogus tickets being offered for sale, the Better Business Bureau warns.
Presale tickets to next year’s Dec. 6, 7, and 8 concerts at B.C. Place went fast on Ticketmaster Wednesday. Within an hour, seats were listed on resale sites such as StubHub for upwards of $6,500.
The Better Business Bureau has released guidelines to help Swifties who haven’t got their hands on tickets from falling victim to scammers.
The organization says it has received dozens of reports from fans who paid for fake tickets to one of Swift’s concerts.
“However, you never hear back from the seller after you send the money. Your tickets are never delivered, electronically or otherwise, because they never existed,” the BBB said in a news release.
Even if Ticketmaster is sold out, look to reputable ticket brokers before doing business with an unlicensed ticket seller or stranger on social media.
Scammers may hack into accounts, pretending to be a friend or acquaintance selling tickets. Before sending money, contact your friend directly to make sure the deal is real.
If someone claims to be selling tickets to a sold-out concert just before the date or at an amazing price, think twice.
“Scammers love to prey on fans of any artist or sporting event by claiming to have impossible-to-get-tickets for them,” says the BBB.
Some ads are scams, whether after a general internet search or in your social media feed. Be careful about clicking through and offering up personal information.
Credit cards generally offer extra protection in case you find out the tickets were a sham.
“You may not get your money back if you pay with your debit card, a cash transfer app, or cash,” the BBB said.
Kingsley Bailey is a Vancouver ticket broker and general manager of Vancouver Ticket and Tour Service.
US singer-songwriter Taylor Swift performs during her Eras Tour at Sofi stadium in Inglewood, California, August 7, 2023.
