BTS Concert Ticket Scams Cost Fans Nearly RM96,000, Says Bukit Aman
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian police have issued a fresh warning to the public following a surge in fraudulent ticket sales linked to the upcoming world tour of South Korean music sensation BTS.
The Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) said scammers have been aggressively targeting fans through social media platforms, exploiting strong demand for concert tickets and the fear of missing out among supporters.
CCID director Rusdi Mohd Isa revealed that authorities have recorded 41 cases involving BTS concert ticket fraud, with total losses reaching RM95,974.81.
According to him, scammers have been advertising supposedly exclusive tickets online, particularly for highly sought-after categories such as VIP access, Soundcheck packages and priority entry privileges.
“The high level of excitement surrounding the concert has created opportunities for scammers to take advantage of fans eager to secure tickets,” he said.
Police believe the number of scams could increase further once official ticket allocations are sold out, as desperate buyers begin searching for alternative sources.
Investigations found that fraudsters commonly claim to possess insider connections, special allocations or early access privileges that allow them to obtain tickets before official sales begin.
To gain victims’ trust, many suspects use manipulated screenshots or fabricated booking confirmations designed to appear authentic.
The scammers then pressure potential buyers to transfer money immediately, often citing limited availability or claiming that reservations must be secured without delay.
Payments are typically requested through online bank transfers, DuitNow transactions or QR code payments.
Once funds have been received, victims either never receive the promised tickets or discover that the seller has disappeared and can no longer be contacted.
Police are urging the public to purchase tickets only through official channels announced by organisers and authorised ticketing agents.
Authorities also warned against dealing with unknown individuals offering tickets through social media platforms without proper verification.
Rusdi advised consumers to remain cautious of claims involving special allocations, insider access or pre-sale opportunities that are not publicly announced by organisers.
He further encouraged the public to verify bank account numbers and telephone contacts using the Semak Mule database before making any payments.
Victims who suspect they have been scammed should immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) via the 997 hotline to improve the chances of recovering funds.
The warning comes ahead of the BTS World Tour “Arirang” concerts scheduled to take place at the Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil on December 12 and 13.
Police said they will continue monitoring online ticket sales and intensify enforcement efforts against individuals involved in concert-related fraud schemes, while reminding fans to remain vigilant and avoid rushing into transactions that could result in financial losses.
