Vancouver police warn of fake tickets to upcoming events sold through Craigslist

Vancouver police announced Wednesday that they have arrested a man and woman accused of selling fake tickets through Craiglist.

Cst. Brian Montague said at least 50 people may have fallen victim to the scam, including people who were sold fake tickets for upcoming events such as this Saturday’s Taylor Swift concert.

Arielle Federation, 22, has been charged with personation, fraud, and offences related to forged documents while 30-year-old Colin Richardson has been charged with fraud and use of forged documents.

According to a VPD release, people bought bogus Ticketmaster tickets from the pair for various events in the city, including upcoming events such as:

– Taylor Swift
– Disneyland 5-day Park-Hopper passes
– Dooms Night 2014
– Fleetwood Mac
– Motley Crue
– Book of Mormon
– Marilyn Manson
– AC/DC
– Shania Twain
– Lion King
– Bette Midler
– Sufjan Stevens
– Ed Sheeran
– Journey
– Sam Smith
– Vancouver Canucks games
– Grey Cup

Police say the suspects offered tickets through Craigslist and arranged meet-ups with purchasers via text message. They often chose to meet in public places or even the buyers’ homes.

During the transactions, the man would stay in the car while the woman completed the exchange. Police believe they were driving either a grey BMW, brown Hyundai Elantra or a blue Honda Civic

On occasion, the female suspect allegedly used a stolen Irish passport in the name of Jenny Donoghue. It is believed she used the passport if asked for identification or to gain the trust of the buyer. In other cases, the woman used the name “Alex” or “Alexandria” with customers. The man sometimes used the name James Hunter.

“There are many people who are involved in the sale of fake and fraudulent tickets,” said Montague. “The only way to ensure you are going to get to see the event you want is to buy tickets from a legitimate retailer.”

The suspects will remain in custody until their next court appearance.

Police are asking anyone who may have fallen victim to this scam to call 604-717-9858.