The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has accused a group of individuals of using fake accounts and software to purchase and resell Taylor Swift concert tickets on Ticketmaster, potentially causing millions of dollars in revenue. The FTC alleges that between November 2022 and December 2023, the group used a network of sites to buy at least 379,776 tickets worth nearly $57 million, then resold them for nearly $64 million.
The trio allegedly created fake accounts by masking IP addresses and using stolen credit cards and SIM cards. They also enlisted friends and family to create Ticketmaster Verified Fan accounts, offering sign-up bonuses and kickbacks in return.
In 2023 alone, the group made $1.2 million from flipping Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour tickets. At a Las Vegas concert, they used 49 different accounts to purchase 273 tickets, exceeding the six-ticket limit by more than 45 times, and earning $119,227.21 in revenue.
The FTC claims their actions are a violation of the Better Online Ticket Sales Act. The incident has drawn attention from politicians, including President Trump, who issued an executive order against fraudulent ticket reselling practices in March.
Representatives for Live Nation/Ticketmaster have not commented on the allegations.
Source: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2025-08-19/ticketmaster-taylor-swift-ftc-fake-accounts