Ticketmaster Implements New Ticket Transfer Rules Following Spike in Scams

Ticketmaster has announced new regulations regarding the transfer of tickets for Taylor Swift‘s upcoming concerts in response to a significant increase in reported scams. The company now mandates that ticket transfers can only occur 72 hours before the event. Previously, fans of Swift, colloquially known as “Swifties,” were able to transfer tickets at any time between Ticketmaster accounts.

A spokesperson for Ticketmaster confirmed the modification in policy, though they did not elaborately address the reasoning behind this decision. However, this change follows a series of digital security incidents affecting Ticketmaster accounts. Customers have reported unauthorized ticket transfers from their accounts, affecting not only those attending Swift’s concerts but also other events managed by Ticketmaster.

In an official statement, Ticketmaster stated it is currently in the process of retrieving tickets for affected customers. The company advised users to set strong and unique passwords across all personal and email accounts, which are often targeted during such security violations. “Scammers are constantly devising new tricks in various sectors. Tickets remain susceptible targets due to their high value, and Ticketmaster is investing in updated security measures to protect fans,” the statement read.

Dr. Francine Vachon, an associate professor at Brock University specializing in information systems, expressed skepticism regarding the sufficiency of these new rules in preventing the alleged ticket thefts. She highlighted that these adjustments do not address the potential for theft occurring within the 72-hour window prior to an event. “These reported thefts are likely tied to a data breach from earlier this year,” Vachon told CBC News. Following the breach, Ticketmaster notified Canadian customers of unauthorized access to their personal data, including contact and financial information. The Privacy Commissioner of Canada has since initiated an investigation into Ticketmaster’s security practices.

Vachon criticized Ticketmaster for not implementing more robust security protocols, such as two-factor authentication and data encryption, which could have provided additional safeguards against such incidents. With Swift’s ‘Eras Tour‘ set to debut in Toronto on November 14, the efficacy of delaying ticket transfers will soon be tested. The tour will feature six performances in Toronto, followed by three in Vancouver in December.

The move by Ticketmaster comes amid scrutiny of its broader business practices. The company has faced criticism for employing dynamic pricing models, prominently observed during recent sales for an Oasis concert. The practice links ticket prices to demand, often resulting in higher costs, leading to an investigation by the U.K.’s competition authority into potential violations of consumer protection laws.