Police have arrested an Ontario woman for allegedly selling fraudulent tickets to Taylor Swift’s Toronto concerts in a scam they say cost victims nearly $70,000 combined.
Police said Tisor would ask victims to pay her in full by electronic transfer and that the tickets would become available a few days before the concert. When the concert date arrived, the victims did not receive the promised tickets. When they asked for their money back, “the accused alleged that the money was gone,” police said.
“Police believe there may be more victims. TPS is working with the Halton Regional Police Service on this ongoing investigation,” police said in the release.
Using the alias ‘Denise Blackhawk,’ Tisor provided dates and seat locations for tickets through Facebook, police said. She allegedly sold fraudulent tickets as early as August 2023, when concert tickets first became available. Swift’s Toronto shows took place between Nov. 14 and Nov. 23 at Rogers Centre.
Tisor is facing charges of fraud over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000. She has also been charged with 32 counts of fraud under $5,000, and 32 counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, according to officials.
Tisor is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on Jan. 10, 2025.
An offence of fraud over $5,000 can result in up to 14 years in prison under the Criminal Code.
In cases where there is a risk of losing more money, victims should notify their financial institution and change passwords to their accounts, including social media accounts, police say. Victims should not make major financial decisions until their accounts are secured.
Authorities also warn against sending personal or banking information via email or any other social media platform.
