Queens Duo Charged in $635K StubHub Hack, Taylor Swift Tickets Targeted

March 3, 2025
Queens Duo Charged in $635K StubHub Hack, Taylor Swift Tickets Targeted
  • Prosecutors highlighted the emotional and financial toll on victims, noting that scammers exploit fans' passion for events.

  • Taylor Swift's Eras Tour has grossed over $2 billion, becoming the highest-grossing concert tour in history, but not all profits have gone to her.

  • Tyrone Rose and Shamara Simmons were arrested in New York for allegedly stealing and reselling concert tickets, including those for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, in a scheme that generated over $635,000.

  • The operation, which ran from June 2022 to July 2023, intercepted approximately 993 tickets from about 350 StubHub orders, with Rose working for a subcontractor in Jamaica that had access to StubHub's secure ticketing system.

  • StubHub alerted the Queens Cybercrime and Cryptocurrency Unit about the suspicious activities, leading to the investigation and subsequent arrests.

  • Following the incident, StubHub terminated its relationship with the implicated vendor, Sutherland Global Services, and has since refunded or replaced all affected orders while enhancing security measures.

  • Swift has been a vocal advocate for fair ticketing practices, opposing chaotic sales processes and standing up for artist rights.

  • Authorities are urging consumers to buy tickets only through official channels and are advocating for stronger regulations on ticket resale platforms to protect fans.

  • Experts warn that high-demand events attract opportunistic criminals, emphasizing the need for fans to be cautious when purchasing tickets.

  • This incident follows previous scams related to Taylor Swift's tour, including counterfeit ticket sales and significant financial losses reported by fans.

  • The charges against Rose and Simmons include grand larceny, computer tampering, and conspiracy, as announced by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.

  • This incident underscores ongoing issues with ticket fraud and cybercrime in the digital age, particularly in the entertainment industry.

Summary based on 40 sources


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