Two People Charged in Taylor Swift Eras Tour Ticket Scam
Authorities Crack Down on Ticketing Scam
Authorities are filling a blank space in their investigation of a major ticketing scam. Two people were arrested on February 27 for their alleged involvement in stealing and reselling over 900 concert tickets – largely for Taylor Swift’s blockbuster Eras Tour – resulting in a total profit of over $600,000, the Queens District Attorney’s Office shared in a press release on March 3.
Charges Brought Against Two Individuals
Tyrone Rose, 20, of Jamaica, and Shamara P. Simmons, 31, of Queens, N.Y., were arraigned on charges of grand larceny in the second degree, computer tampering in the first degree, conspiracy in the fourth degree, and computer tampering in the fourth degree. They each face up to 15 years in prison if convicted, per the district attorney.
District Attorney’s Statement
"According to the charges, these defendants tried to use the popularity of Taylor Swift’s concert tour and other high-profile events to profit at the expense of others," Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement.
How the Scam Worked
Katz said that the two "allegedly exploited a loophole through an offshore ticket vendor," intercepting and reselling the tickets to yield an "extraordinary profit."
Takedown Highlights Importance of Combating Fraud
"This takedown highlights the vigilance of my office’s Cybercrime and Cryptocurrency Unit," she continued, "as well as the importance of working with our industry partners to combat fraudulent activities and ensure the protection of consumers."
E! News Reaches Out to Attorneys
E! News has reached out to attorneys for Rose and Simmons for comment but has not heard back.
Eras Tour Success
The Eras Tour, which consisted of 149 dates over nearly two years, earned over $2 billion in ticket sales alone, according to the New York Times. And while that figure easily made it the highest-grossing concert tour in history, Taylor told fans at her final show that it was no easy feat.
Conclusion
This takedown is a significant step in combating fraudulent activities in the ticketing industry. It is crucial for authorities to work closely with industry partners to protect consumers and ensure a fair and safe experience for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the alleged scheme?
The two individuals allegedly stole and resold over 900 concert tickets for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, resulting in a total profit of over $600,000. - What are the charges against the two individuals?
Tyrone Rose and Shamara P. Simmons face charges of grand larceny in the second degree, computer tampering in the first degree, conspiracy in the fourth degree, and computer tampering in the fourth degree. - What is the potential punishment for the two individuals?
They each face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. - How did the scheme work?
The two allegedly exploited a loophole through an offshore ticket vendor, intercepting and reselling the tickets to yield an "extraordinary profit."
