Singapore police are warning fans that Lady Gaga concert tickets should only be purchased through three authorized platforms to avoid scams:
- Ticketmaster
- Klook
- KrisFlyer
The police specifically advise avoiding ticket purchases through messaging and social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Telegram, X, Carousell, and Xiaohongshu.
Some important points to note:
- There were over 1,050 scam reports related to Taylor Swift’s concert in 2024, with losses of at least $658,000
- Ticketmaster’s terms state that tickets cannot be transferred or resold
- People with resale tickets will be turned away from venues without refunds
- Tickets will only be issued through Ticketmaster accounts one month before the concert
- Ticketmaster never issues tickets via email.
Despite these warnings, scalpers began reselling tickets immediately after the Mastercard pre-sales began on March 18, with some listings on Carousell priced as high as S$38,888.
Lady Gaga is scheduled to perform four shows at the Singapore Sports Hub on May 18, 19, 21, and 24 – her only concerts in Asia.
Resolving Ticket Scams
If you’ve been scammed when buying tickets, here are steps you can take:
Immediate Actions
- Report to police – File a police report with all relevant details including communication with the scammer, payment information, and any identifying details.
- Contact your bank or payment provider and report the fraudulent transaction immediately. For credit card payments, you may be able to initiate a chargeback.
- Document everything – Save all conversations, receipts, screenshots, and other evidence of the transaction.
Prevention Strategies
- Only buy from authorized vendors – As mentioned in the article about Lady Gaga tickets, stick to official platforms (like Ticketmaster, Klook, and KrisFlyer in this case).
- Verify the seller – Check reviews and ratings if buying on a marketplace. Be sceptical of new accounts.
- Use secure payment methods – Credit cards and PayPal offer buyer protection. Avoid wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or direct bank transfers.
- Beware of urgency tactics – Scammers often create false time pressure to prevent you from thinking clearly.
- Check official ticket policies – Many venues and artists have specific resale policies (like Lady Gaga’s tickets being non-transferable).
- Be sceptical of deals that seem too good – Unusually low prices for high-demand events are red flags.
- Verify tickets when possible – Some platforms have verification systems to confirm ticket authenticity.
If you’re specifically dealing with a Lady Gaga concert ticket scam in Singapore, contact the Singapore Police Force and follow their guidance for reporting scams.
Responding to Potential Scams
If you encounter a suspected scam:
End communication immediately if you suspect something isn’t right.
Report the incident to relevant authorities (like police or consumer protection agencies).
If you’ve shared financial information, contact your bank or credit card company immediately to place holds on your accounts.
Alert friends and family about the scam to prevent others from becoming victims.
Building Scam Awareness
Stay informed about new scam techniques by:
Following updates from official sources like police departments or consumer protection agencies.
Discussing scam experiences and prevention strategies with friends and family.
Being especially alert when news reports (like the one in Singapore) highlight increasing scam activities.
Conclusion
As seen in the Singapore report, where cryptocurrency scams increased dramatically (from 6.8% to 25% of total scam losses), scammers constantly adapt their methods to exploit new technologies and target vulnerable individuals. The most effective protection is a combination of awareness, scepticism toward unusual requests, verification procedures, and prompt action if you suspect you’re being targeted.
Remember that legitimate organizations will respect your need to verify information, never pressure you to make immediate financial decisions, and have established, secure channels for conducting business.
By developing these protective habits and maintaining a healthy scepticism about unsolicited offers and requests, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a scam victim.
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