Desperate Australian Swifties have been scammed more than $135,000 trying to get their hands on an Eras Tour ticket.
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Scamwatch has received 273 reports of fans being scammed while buying tickets to see Taylor Swift's concert on social media, with NSW and Victoria making up the bulk of reports.
The deception has prompted a warning from the National Anti-Scam Centre as the tour's February 16 opening night approaches.
ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said the tour was "the hottest ticket in town" and scammers were taking the opportunity to dupe fans trying to buy resale tickets.
"This scam is a low act, seeking to take advantage of fans, many of whom are young and are desperately trying to secure a ticket," Ms Lowe said.
How the scam works
Scammers hack the profile of a trusted friend or acquaintance on social media and falsely offer the opportunity to buy their tickets, claiming they can no longer use them.
The post or message offers the tickets "at cost" and may ask for an additional fee in return for changing the name on the ticket.
The scammers may try to rush the buyer into transferring money by referring to high demand for the tickets.
Once they receive the money the scammer will stop replying and the fan will realise their friend's account has been hacked.
Tips for fans hunting tickets
Fans are urged to be alert to scams and buy tickets through the authorised reseller Ticketek Marketplace.
If they are considering an offer on social media, which is not advised, they should independently contact the person making the offer through a different channel to make sure it's real.
The ACCC is concerned the scam activity will escalate as the tour approaches.
"We are urging fans to be alert to scammers and think twice before seeking to buy a ticket on social media, even if it's from a friend or community page you trust," Ms Lowe said.
The Australian leg of the Eras Tour sold out within hours and the high demand saw the Victorian Government make a major event declaration to crack down on scalping.
Swift is performing at the MCG in Melbourne on February 16, 17 and 18, and at Accor Stadium on February 23, 24, 25 and 26.
Her special guest is US singer and actress Sabrina Carpenter.
