An Ottawa family has been left devastated after falling victim to a $15,600 Taylor Swift ticket scam. Mel Keogh, a mother from Ottawa, purchased 28 tickets for the highly anticipated Toronto leg of Swift's Eras Tour in hopes of creating a magical experience for her extended family and friends. Instead, they were left heartbroken and out of pocket.
Keogh believed she was purchasing legitimate tickets from an independent broker she had used previously. "To break it to the girls that we weren't going—it was horrendous," she told CTV News Ottawa, fighting back tears. "It was all we'd been talking about for over a year."
A Family's Excitement Turns to Disappointment
The tickets were meant to be a special treat for her 15-year-old daughter Jordan and others in the group, including neighbours and extended family. "They were absolutely ecstatic," Keogh said. "My daughter knows every Taylor Swift song, every word, every album, every era, everything. This was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
Keogh purchased the tickets in August at a price of $788 CAD each, amounting to $22,000 CAD ($15,687 USD) for her group of 28, according to CTV News. The family had gone all out in preparation for the big day, booking a limousine and reserving a hotel in Toronto.
"We thought we had done everything right. The confirmation codes, the seat numbers—it all looked legitimate," explained Keogh's sister-in-law Patricia to CTV News Canada. "It's gone, it's all gone. We let our family down. How could we have missed this? We feel like such fools."
A Nationwide Scam Targeting Swift Fans
The Keoghs are not alone in their anguish. According to CTV News Canada, the scam has affected over 400 individuals, primarily from Ontario, with losses amounting to more than $300,000. Victims include families, friends, and long-time fans of the superstar singer, many of whom had been planning for the concert for months.
One victim, Annette Newton, shared her experience of dealing with a reseller known as "Denise Blackhawk" on Facebook. "I contacted that person directly, and she offered me tickets," Newton told CTV News Canada. "She provided proof of tickets she had sold in the past. I spoke with her on the phone, emailed her, looked at her Facebook—it all seemed so real."
Newton purchased four tickets for approximately $2,500 as Christmas gifts for her daughters. On the day of the concert, Denise informed her that the tickets were unavailable. "She said, 'I have a problem, I don't have the tickets... my corporate guy didn't come through,'" Newton recounted, holding back tears. "I had to tell my daughters that we were scammed. It was humiliating."
Police Investigate as More Victims Come Forward
According to Digital Music News, Halton Regional Police are investigating the scam, which reportedly promised hundreds of tickets to unsuspecting buyers. "We have received multiple reports and complaints regarding Taylor Swift tickets," said Jeff Dillon, spokesperson for the Financial Crimes Unit. "We remind residents to be vigilant when purchasing tickets."
Victims have come together online, creating a shared document to track the number of individuals affected and the total losses incurred. "There are over 200 individuals who have purchased tickets," said Jenny Beck, an Oakville mother, to CTV News Canada. "As of late Friday night, the total exceeds $300,000."
The Alleged Scammer Speaks Out
In a brief phone call with CTV News, someone identifying themselves as "Denise" denied wrongdoing. "I've already made a report to the police two days ago, so we'll wait for them to contact me," the individual said before abruptly ending the call. Efforts to reach her again were unsuccessful.
Keogh's family has since filed a police report and consulted legal counsel, but the prospect of recovering their money remains uncertain. "We've been left with nothing," Keogh lamented. "I still hope for a miracle, but at this point, it feels like all we can do is warn others."
A Warning to Swift Fans
With Taylor Swift's Eras Tour breaking records worldwide, demand for tickets has soared, making fans vulnerable to scams. According to Daily Mail, resale prices for Swift's Toronto shows have climbed as high as $5,000 CAD per ticket. Experts urge fans to purchase tickets only through authorised vendors or verified resale platforms.
"Be vigilant and do your research," Dillon stressed. "Scammers prey on emotions and the excitement surrounding major events like these." For the Keogh family, the ordeal serves as a painful reminder of the importance of caution in the high-stakes world of concert tickets.
