At least 960 in Singapore lost over $538k in 10 weeks
The Straits Times|March 17, 2024
Most victims were women aged 30 and below; rise in number of e-commerce scams a worry with more entertainment acts coming here
Nadine Chua
At least 960 in Singapore lost over $538k in 10 weeks

The sixth and last concert American pop star Taylor Swift held in Singapore was on March 9, but police reports of e-commerce scams involving tickets to The Eras Tour are still coming in.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Aileen Yap, who is also assistant director of the police's AntiScam Command (ASCom), said this in an exclusive interview with The Sunday Times on March 11.

AC Yap said the reports lodged include some from victims who bought tickets from resellers and went to the National Stadium, only to discover that the tickets were fake and they could not enter the venue.

In other cases, scammers became uncontactable after receiving money from victims.

AC Yap said: "Within the first few days of Taylor Swift arriving in Singapore, the number of reports relating to concert ticket scams just shot up." The police said that between Jan 1 and March 12, at least 1,551 victims had fallen prey to e-commerce scams involving concert tickets, with total losses amounting to at least $737,000.

At least 960 of these victims had fallen for scams involving tickets to Swift's concerts, and more than $538,000 was lost.

AC Yap said: "With more acts coming to Singapore, I'm worried the number of e-commerce scams will increase. If I were to make an assessment, I think e-commerce scams will be the top scam in the first half of 2024 if this trend continues." In 2023, the most common ruse victims fell prey to was job scams.

E-commerce scams were the second most common scam that year, with 9,783 cases reported and at least $13.9 million lost.

AC Yap added that most of the ecommerce scam victims who made reports relating to tickets to Swift's concerts were women aged 30 and below.

Denne historien er fra March 17, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra March 17, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA THE STRAITS TIMESSe alt
The Straits Times

'Football died' when Klopp joined Red Bull

BERLIN - Jurgen Klopp's decision to join Red Bull as their Global Head of Soccer has sparked strong reactions from many German fans.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 11, 2024
ALCARAZ IN 'CRAZY' LOSS TO MACHAC
The Straits Times

ALCARAZ IN 'CRAZY' LOSS TO MACHAC

Spaniard can’t believe opponent’s level after defeat scuppers rematch with Italian Sinner

time-read
2 mins  |
October 11, 2024
The Straits Times

New arrivals at FIA after high-profile departures

LONDON Formula One's governing body announced two senior appointments after headline departures triggered talk of an exodus from the International Automobile Federation (FIA) led by Emirati Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 11, 2024
OLYMPIC RINGS OF FIRE OVER EIFFEL TOWER
The Straits Times

OLYMPIC RINGS OF FIRE OVER EIFFEL TOWER

French minister plans to wrest control of landmark from Paris mayor amid logo row

time-read
2 mins  |
October 11, 2024
EVEREST CLIMBS TO GROUP 1 HEIGHTS
The Straits Times

EVEREST CLIMBS TO GROUP 1 HEIGHTS

World’s richest sprint race gains recognition at its eighth running, as well as All-Star Mile

time-read
2 mins  |
October 11, 2024
The Straits Times

Heat stress Different work conditions require flexible guidelines on workers' attire

We thank Mr Rahul Gupta for his suggestions (Study standard heat-friendly work clothes for outdoor workers, Oct 8).

time-read
1 min  |
October 11, 2024
The Straits Times

Airbus deliveries drop as suppliers struggle

PARIS Airbus deliveries fell 9 per cent in September to 50 jets compared with the same month in 2023, the European planemaker said on Oct 9, rekindling a debate over the strength of its industrial goals as suppliers struggle to keep up with demand.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 11, 2024
Mental health ambassadors at all PAP branches by 2025
The Straits Times

Mental health ambassadors at all PAP branches by 2025

By 2025, all 93 People's Action Party (PAP) branches will have mental health ambassadors to promote mental well-being in every neighbourhood and support the work of MPs in addressing residents' mental health concerns.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 11, 2024
The Straits Times

Zelensky says there is 'real chance' to end war in 2025

He did not reveal how this could happen but is counting on support from key allies

time-read
2 mins  |
October 11, 2024
The Straits Times

Prabowo defends plan to expand government with ‘fat' Cabinet

JAKARTA Indonesia's Presidentelect Prabowo Subianto has defended his plan to expand government agencies, saying it is needed for a strong administration even if critics call it a \"fat\" Cabinet that will bloat the bureaucracy.

time-read
1 min  |
October 11, 2024