Craigslist ticket fraud charges laid

A Hamilton man faces dozens of fraud and money laundering charges after police allege he used Craigslist to sell fake tickets to popular music concerts and sporting events.

"It's pretty simple, he promises tickets, people send money and they never see the tickets," said Isabelle Sauve, an investigator with the financial crime unit of the Toronto police.  

She said victims thought they were purchasing tickets to hockey games, and sold-out concerts for acts such as Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga.

So far police have identified 20 victims, but think there are many more. Some were defrauded out of as much as $1,200.

On Monday, officers arrested Roger Neiley, 27, of Hamilton.  He faces dozens of charges including fraud and money laundering.

Website advises cash deals be made face to face

While the victims all used Craigslist, a free online classified service, Sauve said this kind of fraud is common on other buy and sell websites.

Craigslist advises people to meet face to face to exchange cash but Sauve said even that doesn't guarantee you won't be cheated.

"Even if you meet in person for event tickets you could still be defrauded, because we know there are some imitation tickets out there."

Sauve said the only way consumers can protect themselves is to buy from a registered ticket agent.

In this case, victims were asked to pay using email bank money transfers. It was that banking information that eventually led police to the suspect.