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Workers at a BPO in Jamaica have been implicated in a multi-million-dollar fraud in which, according to a USA Today report, a "cybercrime crew" stole nearly 1,000 concert tickets to several major events and then resold them for more than US$600,000 over the course of a year.
The Fraudulent Scheme
Targeted Events – The stolen tickets included those for the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, as well as high-profile concerts featuring Adele and Ed Sheeran, NBA games, and the U.S. Open Tennis Championships.
How It Worked – Employees at Sutherland Global Services, a major BPO operating in Jamaica, allegedly exploited their access to StubHub’s ticketing system.
Execution – The workers stole ticket URLs and emailed them to co-conspirators in Queens, New York, who then resold the tickets at inflated prices on StubHub.
Legal Action and Consequences
Arrests and Charges – Two individuals, Tyrone Rose (20) of Kingston, Jamaica, and Shamara Simmons (31) of Queens, New York, were arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including grand larceny and computer tampering.
Potential Sentences – If convicted, they could face between three to 15 years in prison.
Ongoing Investigation – Authorities are working to identify other potential co-conspirators involved in the scheme.
Impact on Sutherland Global Services – As a result of the fraud, StubHub has severed ties with Sutherland Global Services.
StubHub’s Response
StubHub assured customers that all affected orders had either been replaced or fully refunded. Mark Streams, the company’s chief legal officer, stated that the fraud was discovered swiftly, reported to authorities, and the employees involved were immediately terminated.
The case highlights growing concerns about cybersecurity in outsourcing firms and the risks posed by insider fraud. As investigations continue, both Jamaican and U.S. law enforcement remain focused on uncovering the full extent of the operation.
Stay tuned to Mykro Wave TV for more updates on this developing story.