Hackers target Aussie Taylor Swift fans for tickets

Published

2 years ago

February 13, 2024

As Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated concerts draw near, reports of ticket hacking have surfaced, leaving fans distressed and seeking solutions.

Ticketek, the primary ticket vendor for Swift’s Melbourne and Sydney shows, has acknowledged the breach and is taking measures to address the issue.

The situation unfolded after the sudden availability of last-minute tickets, notably obstructed view seats, for both Melbourne and Sydney performances.

Concerns escalated when ticket holders reported unauthorised access to their accounts and subsequent ticket sales without their knowledge.

Gaining access

Ticketek confirmed the security breach, attributing it to hackers gaining access through acquired external information.

The hackers, exploiting compromised accounts, sold tickets to unsuspecting buyers, posing as legitimate sellers.

This tactic, albeit fraudulent, has caused significant distress among Swift’s devoted fan base.

Efforts to rectify the situation include freezing affected accounts and transferring tickets to new ones upon verification of ownership.

However, concerns remain regarding the fate of unwitting buyers who purchased stolen tickets.

Password management

Ticketek emphasided the importance of proactive password management and encouraged affected customers to report incidents promptly to facilitate investigations.

Furthermore, social media platforms have become breeding grounds for scams, with hackers infiltrating accounts to dupe unsuspecting buyers.

Victoria Police issued warnings, urging vigilance and caution when purchasing tickets through unofficial channels.

Assisting fans

Despite these challenges, Ticketek remains committed to assisting genuine fans, deploying customer service pop-ups at concert venues and intensifying technology security measures.

They have also acted swiftly to shut down fraudulent resale platforms masquerading as their own.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission reported substantial financial losses attributed to ticket scams, highlighting the urgency for preventive action.

Fans are advised to exercise caution, opting for authorized sellers and secure payment methods to mitigate risks

Big Tech earnings spark investor unease over AI spending

Investors monitor Big Tech’s AI investments, with Meta thriving while Microsoft and Tesla face uncertainty over growth and returns.

Published

11 hours ago

January 30, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Investors monitor Big Tech’s AI investments, with Meta thriving while Microsoft and Tesla face uncertainty over growth and returns.

Investors are reacting sharply to Big Tech earnings this week, sending a clear signal that massive spending must translate into real growth. Markets are becoming less forgiving as companies pour billions into artificial intelligence, data centres and future tech while returns remain uncertain.

Meta has delivered a standout performance, posting a 24 percent jump in revenue for the December quarter, fuelled by AI-powered advertising. The company is doubling down on its strategy, with aggressive investment in AI and infrastructure expected to drive a further 33 percent growth this quarter.

Microsoft and Tesla tell a more cautious story. Microsoft reported only modest growth in its Azure cloud business, raising questions about its exposure to OpenAI, while Tesla plans to double spending on AI and autonomous driving. Analysts warn of a widening gap between bold AI ambitions and what investors expect in returns.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

News

Federal Reserve holds interest rates amid economic uncertainty

Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady, balancing inflation and jobs, as some governors advocate for a cut. #FederalReserve #InterestRates #Economy

Published

1 day ago

January 29, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady, balancing inflation and jobs, as some governors advocate for a cut.

The Federal Reserve has opted to keep interest rates unchanged, marking the first pause since July. Officials are showing little urgency to resume cuts, even after previous rate reductions.

Two Fed governors opposed the decision, calling for a quarter-point cut, highlighting ongoing debates within the rate-setting committee, which includes both appointed governors and regional bank presidents.

Concerns over the job market and persistent inflation continue to weigh heavily on the Fed’s policy decisions, leaving economists and investors closely watching the next moves.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#FederalReserve #InterestRates #Economy

News

Trump warns Iran as U.S. naval forces approach amid rising tensions

Trump urges Iran to resume nuclear talks or face stronger U.S. military response amid economic struggles and tensions rise.

Published

1 day ago

January 29, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump urges Iran to resume nuclear talks or face stronger U.S. military response amid economic struggles and rising tensions.

U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Iran to return to nuclear negotiations, warning that failure to do so could result in a far more severe military response. Posting on Truth Social, Trump signalled a hardening stance as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise.

Trump confirmed that a U.S. naval strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln is moving towards Iran, as protests grow inside the country over alleged government repression.

The show of force comes amid heightened regional instability and mounting pressure on the Iranian leadership.

#Trump #Iran #USForeignPolicy