As Singapore welcomes the return of large-scale physical events and concerts, the Police would like to warn the public to be cautious online consumers, particularly when acquiring tickets for events or concerts from third-party resellers.
Scammers may use this occasion to target internet buyers by tempting them with inexpensive event tickets, concert ticket discounts, or sold-out tickets at inflated costs. Members of the public are warned to stay careful. Scammers may claim that ticket sales are time-sensitive and/or limited in order to persuade victims to pay for the tickets in advance.
Victims may only realize they have been duped when they do not get their tickets after paying for them, or when they learn that the tickets are invalid on the day of the concert or event.
Here are what the police advised:
- Purchase only from authorised sellers or reputable sources. Buying cheap tickets from resellers is risky – If the price is too good to be true, it probably is.
- 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.
- Verify the seller’s profile on online marketplaces through customer reviews and ratings.
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Hotline at 1800-722-6688.
Anyone with information on such scams may call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. All information will be kept strictly confidential.