Business · Singapore Bureau
Concert ticket scams surge as fraudsters target eager fans via PayNow
A Singapore woman lost over $700 to a ticket scam, highlighting a growing problem where concert ticket fraud now accounts for one in ten e-commerce scams reported to authorities. Experts warn consumers to exercise caution when purchasing tickets through informal channels.
LSN Singapore ·
Concert ticket scams have emerged as a significant threat to Singapore consumers, with fraudulent transactions representing more than 10 per cent of e-commerce scams reported in the first half of 2026, according to anti-fraud data.
One victim transferred $700 via PayNow to purchase tickets for a concert featuring her idol, only to discover she never received the promised admission. The incident underscores the vulnerability of consumers using peer-to-peer payment platforms to complete ticket purchases outside official channels.
Scammers have increasingly exploited the ease and speed of digital payment methods like PayNow to execute ticket fraud schemes. Once payment is transferred, fraudsters typically disappear without delivering tickets or providing refunds, leaving victims with little recourse.
Authorities and consumer protection agencies have urged ticket buyers to purchase exclusively through official ticketing platforms and verified vendors. Consumers should verify seller credentials, avoid making payments to individuals through informal transfer methods, and be wary of unusually discounted ticket offers.
As concert attendance remains popular in Singapore and the region, industry observers expect ticket scams to persist unless consumers adopt more cautious purchasing practices and report fraudulent activity to relevant authorities.