Ticket Fraud -How to protect yourself from fraudsters

With summer approaching, many of us are looking forward to concerts, festivals, and sports events. However, alongside the excitement of securing tickets comes the rising risk of fraud.

Fraudsters frequently target eager buyers, exploiting popular events and leaving fans out of pocket. Staying alert and making informed choices can help ensure fraudsters don’t ruin your plans.

According to Action Fraud, ticket fraud surged in 2024, with nationwide losses rising nearly 50% from the previous year, reaching approximately £9.7 million. In Humberside alone, residents reported total losses of £80,153, underlining the serious impact of this crime on local communities.

Fraudsters use increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive buyers. Inspector Mark Hawley from the Economic Crime Unit highlighted some common methods and shared important advice to help you minimise the risk of falling victim to fraudsters: “Fraudsters often exploit the excitement surrounding popular events, using platforms like social media to target unsuspecting victims. These fraudsters are highly skilled at making fake tickets appear legitimate, leaving people out of pocket and without entry to the events they were looking forward to.

“My advice is simple, only buy tickets from trusted sources. Whether it’s an official promoter, the venue’s box office, or a reputable ticket exchange site, ensuring authenticity is key. Be cautious if someone insists on payment via bank transfer, this is often a sign of fraud. Using a credit card offers an extra layer of protection.

‘‘Research by Action Fraud has highlighted how fraudsters take advantage of the summer period for tickets to popular events, especially during June and July when demand is high. Many fraudsters target last-minute buyers wanting to secure entry, with concert-visitors being the most affected.

”Ticket fraud is not only becoming more common but also increasingly sophisticated. While fraudsters often lure victims with promises of great deals on social media or through unsolicited messages, they may also use convincing fake websites or ads that mimic legitimate platforms.”

Here are some practical tips to help you stay safe from ticket fraud:

Stick to trusted sources: Only purchase tickets through the venue’s box office, official promoters, or reputable ticketing websites. Verify the seller’s credibility, looking for the STAR logo to ensure strict standards are met.

Avoid bank transfers: If a seller insists on payment via bank transfer, consider it a major red flag. Opt to pay by credit card wherever possible, as it provides better protection and the chance to recover your money if fraud occurs.

Beware of “Too good to be true” deals: Be cautious of unsolicited messages, emails, or adverts offering heavily discounted tickets or deals on sold-out events.

Strengthen your online security: Using strong, unique passwords prevents fraudsters from accessing your ticketing accounts, while two-step verification adds an extra safeguard – making it much harder for fraudsters to steal your payment details or make unauthorized purchases.

Report suspicious activity: If you receive a suspicious email or come across a fraudulent ticket offer, report it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) or visit https://ow.ly/ef4q50VLakf.

Inspector Mark Hawley continues: “By staying vigilant and taking simple precautions, we can prevent fraudsters from taking advantage of people wanting to enjoy this summer’s events. If you believe you’ve been a victim of ticket fraud, report it immediately, each report helps us to take action, identify patterns and to protect yourself and others.”

If you believe you’ve been a victim of fraud please report it through Action Fraud or call 0300 123 2040. You can also report fraud through our website https://ow.ly/Wbtz50VLakg or by calling the non-emergency 101 line. To report anonymously, contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.