Burlington Residents Accused in Taylor Swift Ticket Scam
A Burlington woman and man are facing fraud and money laundering charges after allegedly scamming Taylor Swift fans out of $140,000 in a fake ticket scheme. According to Halton police, the accused used a third-party vendor to sell non-existent tickets for Swift’s Toronto concerts last fall.
The investigation, which started on November 14, 2024, uncovered 55 confirmed cases of fraud linked to the scheme, with complaints coming from inside and outside Halton Region. The alleged scam left dozens of fans without tickets after they paid through social media platforms but never received them.
How the Taylor Swift Ticket Scam Unfolded
Halton police say the suspect operated under the Facebook name “Denise Blackhawk” to lure buyers into purchasing fake tickets. Reports of undelivered tickets poured in before, during, and after Swift’s concerts, prompting authorities to launch an extensive probe.
A total of 75 complaints were filed, leading to a search warrant at a Burlington home on March 20, 2025. Police seized:
- Laptops and tablets
- Four cellphones
- Paper documents
Charges Against the Accused
Following the investigation, two Burlington residents – a 44-year-old woman and a 56-year-old man – were arrested and charged.
Charges for the 44-year-old woman:
- Fraud over $5,000 – defrauding the public
- Possession of property obtained by crime
- Money laundering
Charges for the 56-year-old man:
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Money laundering
Police are urging anyone with more information to contact Halton Regional Police at 905-825-4777 (ext. 8739).
How to Avoid Concert Ticket Scams
Fake ticket scams are on the rise, and music fans need to be extra cautious. Here’s how you can avoid falling victim to fraudulent sellers:
- Buy tickets from official sources – Only use verified platforms like Ticketmaster, StubHub, or AXS.
- Avoid social media sellers – Scammers often operate through Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, and Craigslist.
- Verify the seller – If purchasing from a reseller, ask for proof of purchase and ID verification.
- Use secure payment methods – Avoid bank transfers or gift cards; instead, use PayPal or credit cards with buyer protection.
- Be wary of “too good to be true” deals – If tickets are far below face value, it’s likely a scam.
Concert ticket scams are becoming alarmingly common, especially for high-demand events like Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. While authorities are cracking down on fraudulent sellers, fans should remain vigilant and only purchase tickets from trusted sources.
What do you think? Have you ever been scammed while trying to buy concert tickets? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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