Allegations Arise: Group Accused of Using Fake Accounts to Snag 321,000 Taylor Swift and Springsteen Concert Tickets on Ticketmaster

A recent investigation has revealed a ticket-reselling scheme that operated through a network of fake accounts to exploit Ticketmaster’s security. This operation snatched up over 300,000 tickets to major concerts, including those by artists like Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen, and resold them for a hefty profit.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the scheme involved advanced software that hid users’ identities, alongside repurposed credit cards. The operation was linked to websites like TotalTickets.com and TotallyTix, run by three main individuals. From June 2022 to December 2023, they bought 321,286 tickets for a staggering $46.7 million, reselling them for $52.4 million, which netted them around $5.7 million.

A particularly shocking case involved buying 273 tickets to Taylor Swift’s concert in March 2023 using 49 different accounts, far exceeding Ticketmaster’s limit of six per buyer. This reseller made $120,000 from that single event.

The FTC’s complaint also highlighted their use of friends, family, and hired strangers to create Ticketmaster accounts. Some of them were even lured with flyers promising easy money for signing up and obtaining presale codes.

Fans have voiced their dissatisfaction with Ticketmaster, especially during the turbulent ticket sales for Swift and Springsteen. In November 2022, Swift mentioned her concerns on Instagram, hinting at broken trust with Ticketmaster. She expressed frustration over the company’s failure to handle high demand effectively. Similarly, Springsteen noted the confusion around ticket buying, emphasizing that pricing should remain reasonable for fans.

It’s clear that these issues have drawn attention beyond just fans. In March, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at improving ticket sales and reducing exploitation. The FTC Chairman, Andrew N. Ferguson, stated that these actions make it clear that unfair practices will be investigated.

Despite this scrutiny, Ticketmaster isn’t being targeted in the current suit. However, they have faced criticism in the past for monopolizing the live-event market. The Justice Department, along with the FTC, took legal steps against Ticketmaster’s parent company, Live Nation, for alleged monopolistic behavior.

In an interesting twist, the FTC’s complaint included a 2018 Ticketmaster presentation. It showed they were aware of the potential economic impact of stricter purchasing caps designed to prevent bot usage. This highlights that even companies in such a competitive market are grappling with how to balance fair ticket distribution with their own interests.

As the FTC seeks damages and civil penalties, it’s a reminder that the battle for fair ticket sales continues. Fans and artists alike are watching closely as this unfolds, hoping for a more equitable system that prioritizes their interests over profit-driven practices.



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