At least RM19,000 (S$6,000) has been stolen by scammers posing as Blackpink ticket resellers ahead of the group’s three-night concert run in Singapore, according to a police advisory quoted by The Straits Times.
Since October, the Singapore Police Force has received at least 11 reports involving fraudulent ticket listings promoted on various platforms, including Telegram, Carousell, Xiaohongshu, Facebook Messenger, TikTok and other social channels.
Scammers typically posted attractive “offers” claiming tickets were extremely limited or time-sensitive. To appear legitimate, they provided fake screenshots, edited receipts and fabricated booking confirmations.
Victims were then asked to transfer payment, only to be told later that the seller “didn’t receive the money” prompting requests for additional transfers. Most victims discovered the scam only after the seller vanished online.
Authorities emphasised that Official Blackpink Singapore tickets are available only through Ticketmaster and are non-transferable and non-resellable under event rules. Fans who attempt to enter with secondary-market tickets “will be turned away with no refund,” police warned.
Ticketmaster confirmed that all tickets are issued only via the buyer’s Ticketmaster account, typically around two weeks before the show, and never by email a detail meant to deter phishing and fake PDF tickets.
Facebook Marketplace prohibits ticket resale, and police say they have contacted Carousell, TikTok and other platforms to remove illicit listings linked to the concerts – Malaymail
🎯HackWarn Analysis
Why Did This Scam Succeed?
This scam worked because:
1. Fans were desperate for tickets
Blackpink shows sell out fast. Scammers took advantage of FOMO (fear of missing out).
2. Listings looked “real”
They used fake screenshots, edited receipts and convincing chat messages to look legitimate.
3. “Limited-time only” pressure
Scammers pushed buyers to transfer money quickly to avoid “losing the ticket”.
4. Use of popular platforms
The scams happened on Telegram, Carousell, Xiaohongshu, Facebook Messenger and TikTok — places people already trust.
5. Fans didn’t know tickets are non-transferable
Scammers exploited the fact that many didn’t realise Ticketmaster doesn’t allow resale for this concert.
Immediate Action: What You Need To Do?
1. Do NOT buy Blackpink tickets from anyone — anywhere
Only Ticketmaster issues valid tickets. No email tickets. No PDFs. No screenshots.
2. If you already bought from a reseller, report immediately
You may still retrieve your money if you act early. Contact: Singapore Police → scam alert channels.
3. Check all screenshots and receipts — assume they’re fake
Scammers can edit them in less than 5 minutes.
4. Never rush payments
Real sellers never pressure you with “limited time only” or “fast payment”.
5. Enable scam protection features on your bank/e-wallet
This can block risky transactions before they happen.
6. Share this advisory with friends or teens who are attending
You may save someone from losing hundreds — or thousands.
