SEOUL — Fans worldwide have lost thousands of dollars to ticket scams related to BTS’s “Arirang” comeback world tour, with authorities in multiple countries reporting a surge in fraud cases as demand for the concerts remains high, police said.
Scammers have targeted eager buyers through social media platforms, offering fake tickets for the South Korean group’s highly anticipated shows. In Singapore alone, authorities recorded at least 62 cases since June 1, 2026, with losses amounting to more than S$68,200 (about $52,000), according to the Singapore Police Force.
Similar incidents have been reported in Malaysia, where police documented 41 cases linked to the tour, resulting in nearly RM96,000 (approximately $21,000) in losses. Victims were often approached on platforms such as X and other social media sites with offers for premium tickets, including VIP and soundcheck access.
BTS, consisting of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook, is on its first major world tour since completing mandatory military service. The “Arirang” tour includes multiple dates in Southeast Asia and other regions, with tickets selling out rapidly through official channels like Ticketmaster.
“Fans should only purchase tickets through authorised platforms and avoid deals that seem too good to be true,” a Singapore police spokesperson said in a statement. “Scammers often use fake listings, demand immediate payment via transfers and then disappear after receiving funds.”
Authorities have warned that common tactics include selling tickets before official sales, claiming special access or insider connections, and using fraudulent websites mimicking legitimate sellers. In some cases, victims paid hundreds or thousands of dollars only to receive invalid or non-existent tickets.
Fraud has also been noted in other markets, with cybersecurity firms identifying fake websites for concerts in Latin America and Europe earlier in the year. Global losses from BTS-related ticket scams are estimated in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, though exact worldwide figures remain unclear.
The tour has generated enormous interest, with demand far outstripping supply in many cities. Official tickets for the Singapore shows sold out quickly in early June.
Police and consumer protection agencies continue to urge fans to verify sellers and report suspicious offers. Investigations into the scams are ongoing in affected countries, with warnings issued to avoid unofficial resale platforms and direct transfers to individuals.
As the tour progresses through 2026, officials said they expect continued vigilance will be needed to protect consumers from similar fraud.
