Local Facebook groups are warning concertgoers about a recent scam involving the sale of event tickets at unusually low prices due to a supposed “emergency” on the seller’s part.
According to The MoCo Show, several groups are experiencing a rise in this scam, typically involving a highly anticipated event and a medical or personal crisis cited by the “seller.” The scammer often requests interested buyers to send private messages and sometimes turns off comments to avoid being exposed.
The Guardian reported in April that there was a surge in fraud cases involving Taylor Swift fans eager to purchase tickets to her sold-out UK shows, prompting Lloyds Bank to issue an “urgent warning” after hundreds of its customers were scammed. The bank noted that Taylor Swift ticket scams were widespread on social media, with more than 90 percent of the reported cases originating from fake ads or posts on Facebook.
Group administrators advise members to exercise caution when purchasing items on Facebook, especially from unfamiliar individuals. These posts should be reported to the group administrators for verification if encountered, and caution is still advised as some scammer profiles may appear legitimate.
Additionally, ticket scams can be reported to the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection, the Maryland Attorney General, and the Federal Trade Commission.
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