Ticketmaster changes Taylor Swift ticket transfer rules amid reported ticket thefts

Ticketmaster is implementing new regulations regarding the transfer of Taylor Swift tickets in response to an increase in reported scams.

The ticketing company recently updated its website to state that ticket transfers for Swift's concerts can only occur 72 hours before the event. Previously, fans were allowed to transfer tickets between Ticketmaster accounts at any time.

Ticketmaster representatives confirmed the new rule but did not provide further details on the reasoning behind the change.

This update follows a rise in reported hacks targeting Ticketmaster accounts, particularly affecting Swift's Canadian fans as well as ticket holders for other events managed by the company. Some customers have taken to social media to report that concert tickets they purchased months ago were suddenly transferred from their Ticketmaster accounts without their consent.

In response to these issues, the company stated that it is working to "restore fans' tickets."

"The best way for fans to protect themselves is to set a strong, unique password for all accounts—especially for their personal email, where we often see security issues arise," the statement read.

"Scammers are continuously seeking new ways to exploit vulnerabilities across all industries, and tickets will always be a target due to their value, so Ticketmaster is continually investing in new security enhancements to protect fans."

Francine Vachon, an associate professor of information systems at Brock University, expressed doubt that Ticketmaster's changes to ticket transfers will significantly impact the ongoing issues of ticket theft. She noted that the new rule does not prevent theft from occurring within the 72-hour window before events.

She informed CBC News that the reported thefts can be linked to a data breach that occurred this summer.

In July, Ticketmaster warned Canadian customers of a data breach that allowed a third party to access personal information, potentially including names, contact details, and even credit and debit card information. Following this incident, the Privacy Commissioner of Canada launched an investigation into Ticketmaster's security measures.

"That's how people are able to log into others' accounts and steal their tickets," Vachon explained. "If my daughter had an account and she was a Swiftie, someone could simply use her password to access her account, take her ticket, and transfer it to their own account."

Vachon emphasized the need for greater login security, suggesting that while changing passwords after a data breach is prudent, the company should take more proactive measures to safeguard consumers. She pointed out that Ticketmaster could have implemented two-factor authentication for logging in, both before and after the breach, but has not done so.

"They did not encrypt their data, and now people are losing their tickets," she said.

The effectiveness of limiting ticket transfers until shortly before shows will soon be tested, as Swift's record-breaking Eras tour is set to arrive in Toronto next month, with the first of six shows commencing on November 14. Following the Toronto dates, three shows will take place in Vancouver in December.

Tickets to see Swift have been in high demand, with some Canadian fans traveling to Europe to catch her performances instead of competing for seats at the Canadian shows.

Recently, Ticketmaster's ticket sales practices have come under scrutiny. After tickets for Oasis sold out rapidly at high prices in early September, the company faced criticism for its use of dynamic pricing, which adjusts ticket prices based on demand.

The UK's competition watchdog has launched an investigation into Ticketmaster's handling of Oasis ticket sales to determine if the company violated consumer protection laws.