New Report Says Hackers Made $6 Billion by Tricking Taylor Swift Fans to Sabrina Carpenter

Hacker takes advantage of Sabrina Carpenter's concert (Instagram @sabrinacarpenter)

JAKARTA - Hackers are reported to have successfully cheated more than 5 billion US dollars from music fans throughout 2025.

This massive fraud is carried out by impersonating world-class singers such as Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and a number of other top artists using artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

Citing Billboard, the latest report from social media security company Spikerz estimates that a total of $5.3 billion (around Rp83 trillion) has been collected by scammers.

They used AI-based impersonation of high-profile artists on major platforms such as X, TikTok, and Instagram - in just one year.

Spikerz's analysis also concluded that social media sites have now evolved into high-risk entry points for fraud and brand image damage - fraud is becoming increasingly difficult to identify and track due to the rate of technological acceleration behind the development of AI.

"Social platforms have become the most important point of contact between artists and their audiences, and therefore, the most vulnerable," said Spikerz consultant Scott Cohen.

"If we want artists to innovate and experiment, we have to give them a digital environment where they are not constantly under attack," he continued.

Specifically, the report identified Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter as the two artists most frequently imitated by cybercriminals.

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Meanwhile, Billie Eilish, BTS, Adele, Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi, BLACKPINK, Ariana Grande, and Drake complete the list of the top 10 global artists who are the main targets of the disguise.

Furthermore, the report also explains the impact caused by this fraud. "When fans are tricked by fake accounts to buy merchandise, tickets, or experiences that do not exist, artists not only lose income, but also suffer a reputation blow that damages future sales and engagement. The resulting brand damage can reduce the value of sponsorships, collaborations, and label partnerships," the report said.

The threat from scammers has shown an upward trend in recent years. The previous year, rock band Arctic Monkeys were targeted when someone pretended to be a band agent and arranged for the artist to book a fake world tour in 2025.

In addition, Oasis fans also became victims of ticket fraud when tickets for the 2025 reunion tour went on sale. The average financial loss suffered by the victims reached 346 pounds.

A separate report from Lloyds Bank showed a shocking fact, namely that 90 percent of Oasis ticket fraud began with false advertisements on social media, and the age group between 35 and 44 years old was the most vulnerable to be targeted.