BANGKOK, THAILAND – A vast network of over 350 fake X accounts used by criminals to defraud unsuspecting music fans out of expensive concert tickets has been dismantled by Thai police, with seven suspects arrested and millions of Baht in damages reported.
The longing for the sold-out ticket
Fans eager to see their idols perform live fell victim to a cunning scheme. Those targeted included fans of superstars like Blackpink, Got7, Twice, and EXO, whose concerts often sell out in minutes.
The perpetrators exploited this desperation.
“They were easily persuaded to buy,”
said Police Lieutenant General Jirabhop Bhuridej. The scammers lured victims on X with promises of alleged remaining tickets that never existed.
One fan loses 3,000 Baht for Jimmy Sea
A particularly audacious case landed at the Huai Khwang Police Station. One customer transferred 3,000 Baht as a down payment for a concert by Thai artist Jimmy Sea, representing half the alleged ticket price of 6,000 Baht.
The money vanished, and the ticket never materialized. This incident is one of 739 documented fraud cases that accumulated over months, with the network allegedly scamming over 3.7 million Baht in total.
Raid in three provinces
Suspects, aged between 22 and 37, were apprehended by investigators in Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom, and Phuket. Police confiscated 10 bank books, four mobile phones, and one car.
This fraudulent operation began in late 2024. The roles within the group were clearly defined, with some individuals monitoring release dates, others creating advertisements, engaging with victims, or managing the so-called mule accounts.
Fake bookings with Photoshop guarantee
To appear credible, the perpetrators stole images of genuine ticket bookings from other sellers. They manipulated names and seat numbers, adding their own watermark.
Following each successful transaction, they would rapidly change account names and user IDs, allowing them to operate undetected for months and continue defrauding fans.
Quick money, many accounts
Once a victim paid, the money was immediately forwarded through multiple accounts for rapid withdrawal. The illicit gains were then distributed among the gang members.
Police are now investigating charges of gang-related online fraud. The seized bank records are expected to provide a comprehensive overview of the financial flows.
From K-Pop to Rock – these fans were disappointed
The list of affected artists includes BLACKPINK, NCT, Day6, Seventeen, aespa, One OK Rock, and Daniel Caesar. These are international top acts whose fans are particularly eager for tickets.
The Anti Cyber Scam Centre warns against such deals on social media. It advises individuals seeking tickets for sold-out concerts to avoid private advance payment transactions.