Ontario mother scammed out of $1,800 in Taylor Swift ticket scam
An Ontario mother lost $1,800 hoping to get Taylor Swift tickets for her seven-year-old daughter.
"I don't understand how someone could just take advantage of someone and their hard-earned money, and it was a gift for a seven-year-old girl," Dana Caputo, of Tottenham, Ont., told CTV News Toronto.
Swift brings her Eras Tour -- the highest-grossing concert tour of all time, passing the $1 billion mark -- to Toronto in November. The mega popstar will play six shows at the Rogers Centre, and fans have been scrambling to find tickets, although some Swifties were scammed in the process.
Caputo wanted to surprise her daughter, Gia, with tickets to one of the Toronto shows, and a co-worker said a friend had posted on Facebook that they had a pair for sale.
After Caputo sent $1,800 to the person, she said they kept asking for more money, claiming it was for service fees and other charges. Caputo said she then learned her co-worker's friend's account had been hacked, and she had been scammed.
"As soon as I started asking questions and calling them out, that's when all the messages they had sent me were erased and I never heard from them again," said Caputo.
Eric Alper, a music publicist, said if anyone actually had Swift tickets for sale, they wouldn't be selling them on social media.
"Nobody is selling their Taylor Swift tickets on Facebook, nobody," said Alper. "It's so common to see posts from people on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter claiming to have extra tickets and unless you actually know the seller, it's best to ignore those types of transactions."
Peel Regional Police recently warned fans that fake tickets for Swift's upcoming shows have been circulating online, urging them to be wary when buying tickets from someone and encouraging them to contact the poster through other means before transferring any money.
Alper said to use certified ticket reseller sites like StubHub or SeatGeek to avoid getting ripped off. While the ticket may be more expensive, fans will receive the tickets they purchase.
When CTV News Toronto checked StubHub, we found a few available tickets for the Toronto dates, but seats farthest from the stage started at around $3,000 to $5,000. Some seats that were closer to the stage were $8,000 to $10,000, with the priciest hovering at around $15,000.
Alper said if you don't have tickets by now and don't want to spend a small fortune, it may be best to sit this concert out.
"If you're a mom or a dad looking to make your kid's year, now may be the time to have a life lesson and explain to them the meaning of supply and demand," said Alper.
Caputo wanted to share her story to warn other families so they can avoid disappointment if they're searching for tickets.
"Hopefully, no one else falls into the trap that I did," said Caputo.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Live updates: 'Extremely dangerous' Hurricane Milton brings high winds, destructive waves
U.S. forecasters are warning of destructive waves, devastating winds and flash floods through the week as Hurricane Milton makes its way from the Yucatan Peninsula toward Florida.
Tampa Bay hasn't been hit directly by a major hurricane since 1921. Milton may be the one
Florida's Gulf Coast braced Tuesday for the impact of Hurricane Milton's winds and expected massive storm surge, which could bring destruction to areas already reeling from Helene's devastation 12 days ago and still recovering from Ian's wrath two years ago.
Harris calls Trump 'incredibly irresponsible' for spreading misinformation about Helene response
Kamala Harris called Donald Trump 'incredibly irresponsible' for spreading falsehoods about the federal response to Hurricane Helene's destruction, offering especially sharp words as a new storm bears down on Florida with just weeks until Election Day.
'They are just ruthless': Toronto senior loses $27,000 to roofing scam
A Toronto senior says she can’t believe that two roofers took advantage of her, despite knowing she was recently widowed and suffering from a painful disability.
Beware of scams during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sales event: cybersecurity firm
As online shoppers hunt for bargains offered by Amazon during its annual fall sale this week, cybersecurity researchers are warning Canadians to beware of an influx of scammers posing as the tech giant.
How is Canada protecting customers buying from foreign e-commerce sites like Temu and Shein?
As U.S. regulators push for an investigation into what they call 'deadly baby and toddler products' from foreign e-commerce sites, health officials in Canada say they haven't determined whether any laws or regulations have been broken.
Most fathers say they spend equal time caring for their child — fewer mothers agree, survey says
When it comes to raising a child, the majority of fathers say they share tasks equally, but fewer mothers tend to say the same thing, according to a Statistics Canada survey.
University of Toronto's Geoffrey Hinton wins Nobel Prize in physics
A British-Canadian researcher has won the Nobel Prize in physics for work developing the foundations of machine learning and artificial intelligence. The University of Toronto's Geoffrey Hinton was awarded the prize Tuesday morning, along with Princeton University researcher John Hopfield.
Is Disney World still open as Hurricane Milton strengthens to a Category 5?
Despite Hurricane Milton evolving into a Category 5 storm, Walt Disney World Resort remains open to the public and will operate as normal. However, the park announced Monday a few closures in an abundance of caution.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Montreal
-
Family daycares vote on mandate to open later until strike day
Heavier pressure tactics could soon begin in family daycare, as 9,000 workers have just voted in favour of a pressure tactics mandate that calls for services to open later and later, up to and including a strike day.
-
Car torched in Saint-Leonard, Montreal police arson squad investigating
The Montreal police (SPVM) arson squad is investigating after a vehicle was torched in the Saint-Leonard borough.
-
Montrealers mourn and protest to mark Oct. 7
Montreal students and supporters showed their grief and anger at protests and vigils as they marked the anniversary of the current war between Israel and Gaza.
Ottawa
-
NEW THIS MORNINGNEW THIS MORNING 'I will miss it:' Alex Munter reflects on his 13 years as the head of CHEO
Tuesday is Alex Munter’s last day as the head of eastern Ontario’s children’s hospital after more than a decade on the job.
-
A section of Highway 417 is closed in Ottawa's east end Tuesday morning
Ontario Provincial Police say the westbound lanes of Hwy. 417 are closed between Innes Road and Highway 174 following an overnight collision.
-
Ottawa eyes new licensing requirements for businesses that sell vaping products
A report for Ottawa's emergency preparedness and protective services committee recommends Ottawa implement a new license for retailers that sell vapour products to "ensure public health and safety, as well as consumer protection."
Northern Ontario
-
Northern Ont. side-by-side driver killed, passenger suffers serious injuries
Ontario Provincial Police are investigating a fatal crash of a side-by-side off-road vehicle east of Parry Sound that killed one and injured another Friday.
-
Teacher charged with sex assault of a minor in northwestern Ont.
A teacher working on a First Nation in northwestern Ontario has been charged with sexually assaulting a minor.
-
Former North Bay Battalion player, 23, passes away after cancer battle
The North Bay Battalion hockey team is mourning the loss of a former player who died at 23 after a battle with cancer.
Kitchener
-
Local groups gather to mark grim anniversary of Hamas attack
Communities across Canada, including in Waterloo Region, are marking one year since the Oct. 7 attack that sparked the Israel-Hamas war.
-
Waterloo, Ont. tech company responds to surveillance, spyware allegations
In September, CTV News Kitchener reported on Sandvine's deals with autocratic governments, including Egypt, where its tech reportedly helped inject spyware into the devices of government critics.
-
'That is not the Corey that I know': Character witnesses speak at disgraced Guelph Police officer's penalty hearing
The penalty hearing for Guelph Police constable Corey McArthur has heard from two character witnesses, both supporting an eventual return to policing for the officer who has admitted to assaulting a teen who was handcuffed to a hospital bed.
London
-
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Live updates: 'Extremely dangerous' Hurricane Milton brings high winds, destructive waves
U.S. forecasters are warning of destructive waves, devastating winds and flash floods through the week as Hurricane Milton makes its way from the Yucatan Peninsula toward Florida.
-
Provincial housing policy blows $28.5 million hole in London's municipal budget
City hall is on track to deliver a massive budget surplus this year, but the windfall is already being earmarked to fill a new financial shortfall.
-
Mildmay trio turns $1 into $100K with ENCORE win
Saying “yes” to ENCORE paid off for Emily Lamont, Carrie Newton, and Rosanne (Rose) Breig of Mildmay.
Windsor
-
OPP on scene of Tecumseh crash, delays expected
Delays are to be expected Tuesday morning after a crash in Essex County. According to OPP, the crash happened at Walker Road and Highway 3 in Tecumseh.
-
Ambassador Bridge 'temporarily closes' due to incident
The Ambassador Bridge border crossing was 'temporarily closed' for a period of time, according to the Canada Border Services Agency website.
-
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Live updates: 'Extremely dangerous' Hurricane Milton brings high winds, destructive waves
U.S. forecasters are warning of destructive waves, devastating winds and flash floods through the week as Hurricane Milton makes its way from the Yucatan Peninsula toward Florida.
Barrie
-
5-car pile-up closed Highway 12 in Orillia
Five vehicles collided in Orillia Monday night during rush hour.
-
Oro-Medonte home considered a loss after fire
The cause of a fire that caused significant damage to a home in Oro-Medonte over the weekend is under investigation.
-
Local Jewish community commemorates October 7
More than a hundred members of the Jewish community gathered at Barrie City Hall to commemorate the events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas abducted more than 200 Israeli civilians and today's ongoing war in the Middle East commenced.
Winnipeg
-
Manitoba health-care worker strike postponed
Manitoba health-care support workers will not be hitting the picket line on Tuesday morning.
-
Disgraced former Winnipeg football coach sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexual assault
A disgraced Winnipeg high school football coach convicted of sexual assault and luring will spend 20 years behind bars.
-
7-Eleven stores seen with permanently closed signs in Winnipeg
After concerns were raised in the summer, it appears some 7-Eleven stores in Winnipeg may be shutting down because of crime.
Atlantic
-
'We hope for peace': Halifax vigils remember lives lost one year after Hamas-Israel war began
Hundreds of people gathered at two separate vigils in Halifax Monday night to remember the lives lost since the Hamas-Israel war began one year ago.
-
Diesel prices in N.S. jump 9 cents after unscheduled change
The price of diesel jumped nine cents overnight in Nova Scotia after the province’s Utility and Review Board (UARB) invoked its interrupter clause.
-
Direct Sydney-to-Halifax flights return for the first time in years
For the first time in years, a direct flight from Halifax touched down at the JD McCurdy Sydney Airport on Monday.
N.L.
-
Self-identifying Indigenous group got $74M in federal cash, Inuit leader wants change
As millions in federal funding flow into a Labrador group whose claims of Inuit identity have been rejected by Indigenous organizations across Canada, a national Inuit leader worries the Liberal government is putting the rights of Indigenous Peoples at risk.
-
Marathon goat: Animal runner wins hearts and a medal after crashing Newfoundland race
He may not have logged the fastest time or even gone the full distance, but residents of a Newfoundland town agree the goat who unexpectedly joined the local weekend half marathon was the event's undisputed champion.
-
Labrador residents say 'inhumane' food prices force families to go hungry
A mother in a community where the cost of living is one of the highest in the country says grocery prices are 'inhumane' and retailers are putting profits ahead of people’s basic human right to food.
Edmonton
-
Alberta looking for Jasper wildfire compensation because it started on federal land
Provincial ministers testified before the House of Commons on Monday, asking the federal government to pay for the cost of the Jasper wildfire.
-
Man charged with kidnapping in northern Alberta domestic violence case: RCMP
A Grande Prairie man has been charged with kidnapping after an assault on Sunday.
-
Province mulls changes to Alberta school funding model
After four years of criticism, the Alberta government is considering changing how schools are funded
Calgary
-
'Like a war zone': Victim of Calgary townhome explosion speaks out
Less than 48 hours after his Monterey Park townhome was gutted by a fiery explosion, Calgarian Owen DeFoe returned on Monday to see what was left.
-
Alberta meat stores reopen after AHS re-examines product, declares it fit for sale
Two meat stores and one restaurant have reopened after being closed by AHS. The stores were accused of selling uninspected meat -- a claim the owners denied, saying they produced all the paperwork required to prove their case.
-
Fatal motorcycle crash in S.E. Calgary leaves boy, 17, dead
A 17-year-old boy was killed in a motorcycle crash in southeast Calgary over the weekend.
Regina
-
'I have to catch it': Regina resident says city tree is the root of basement flooding issues
Regina resident Murray Yagelniski says a city-owned tree on his property is the root of the issue behind his basement flooding.
-
Sask NDP tear into AIMS system rollout, say costs have risen to $203 million
The Saskatchewan NDP says the province's troubled payment and scheduling system for healthcare is only half implemented and has costed taxpayers nearly triple its original price tag so far.
-
Sask. non-profit making its case to the Supreme Court that provincial jail policy violates the Charter
The John Howard Society of Saskatchewan will appear in front of the Supreme Court of Canada on Tuesday challenging a regulation that it says lets correctional workers discipline inmates without sufficient proof.
Saskatoon
-
Surge in homelessness and public drug use a result of Sask. government policy: Prairie Harm Reduction
Saskatoon’s Prairie Harm Reduction (PHR) says a staff member arrived to work on Thursday morning to find someone at its doorstep, unresponsive from a suspected drug overdose.
-
Sask. care home worker charged with sexually assaulting residents still awaits a trial date
A 36-year-old woman accused of sexually assaulting, physically assaulting and threatening residents at a Saskatchewan care home, was not in court when her matters were spoken to Monday afternoon.
-
Mayor hopeful Block lays out affordability plan for rapidly growing Saskatoon
Saskatoon mayoral candidate Cynthia Block says the city needs a new deal with Ottawa to keep life affordable.
Vancouver
-
Vancouver Palestinian community reacts to Gaza war anniversary
Monday was a solemn and emotional day for Israelis and Palestinians. The Oct. 7, 2023, attack saw more than 1,200 Israelis killed and has since left more than 41,000 dead in Gaza.
-
B.C. couple offers Taylor Swift tickets to anyone who can find their missing dog
A B.C. couple is getting desperate – and creative – in their search for their missing dog.
-
BC NDP promote child-care plan while critics point to unfulfilled promises
Child care was front and centre Monday for the BC NDP, its leader David Eby promoting the party's campaign promises.
Vancouver Island
-
Police investigating suspected homicide on northern Vancouver Island
Major crime investigators have been called to the scene of a suspected homicide in the northern Vancouver Island community of Port Hardy.
-
Senior charged after minivan set ablaze outside Vancouver City Hall
The day after a minivan was set ablaze outside Vancouver City Hall, a 78-year-old man has been criminally charged.
-
Canadian soldier wins compensation for cancer linked to burn pits after Veterans Affairs denied claim
A Canadian soldier who was exposed to toxic chemicals from burn pits while serving in Afghanistan has been awarded full medical compensation for testicular cancer after Veterans Affairs initially denied his claim.
