By: Lester Bronzon Catarbas
Toronto Police have arrested a woman in connection with a fraudulent ticket scam involving Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated ‘Eras Tour’ concerts in Toronto. Denise Tisor from Burlington, has been charged with multiple counts of fraud and possession of stolen property. Police allege she deceived more than 28 individuals. The fraud allegedly netted her $70,000.
Police say Tisor, operating under the alias ‘Denise Blackhawk’, used Facebook Marketplace to advertise and sell tickets to Taylor Swift’s sold out shows at Rogers Centre. The alleged scam targeted fans eager to secure early seats for the concerts. Police say Tisor asked for full payments via e-transfer. However, on the day of the concerts, the individuals concerned received nothing in return.
In a news release, police said, “When victims requested their money back, the accused alleged that the money was gone.”
Many of the affected fans reported feeling devastated, having trusted Tisor, whom they had purchased tickets from in the past.
Tisor was arrested on Monday and charged with fraud over $5000, possession of property obtained by crime Over $5,000, 32 counts of fraud Under $5,000, and 32 counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.
Earlier this month, the Halton Regional Police were investigating reports of frauds involving Taylor Swift Eras Tour tickets. However, the HRPS would not confirm on whether Tisor is part of that. The Toronto Police Services said they are working with the Halton Regional Police Services on this ongoing investigation as they believed there may be more victims.
Tisor is scheduled to appear at a Toronto courtroom on January 10.
How to Avoid Falling For Scams
With online scams being more and more prevalent, here are important steps from the Toronto Police Services to take when buying event tickets:
- Purchase tickets from the authorized seller for the event or at the venue box office.
- Meet the seller in person in a public place to exchange money for the tickets.
- Avoid ticket purchases from social media sites
- Be wary of tickets sold at lower than expected prices
Authorities are encouraging anyone who may have purchased a fraudulent ticket to come forward and file an online police report.
For more information on how to report online fraud or scams, visit the Toronto Police Services website.
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