Event ticket fraud warning – 5 tips to keep safe

Action Fraud, the national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, is running a campaign warning people to be alert to fraudsters trying to catch out people planning for popular and sold-out events.  

Concert, festival and sports event goers trying to get last minute tickets are urged to be on their guard against fraudsters selling fake tickets.
 
The service reveal that last year over 8,700 people reported they had been a victim of ticket fraud. A total of £6.7 million was lost, which works out to an average loss of £772 per person.  


Five tips to protect yourself from ticket fraud

• Buy tickets from the venue’s box office, the promoter, an official agent or a well-known and reputable ticket exchange site.
• Try not to pay by bank transfer, especially if buying from someone unknown. It is best to use a credit card or payment service, such as PayPal as you have a better chance of recovering any money lost to fraud.
• A password used for your email account, as well as any other accounts used to purchase tickets, should be different from all other passwords used. You can use three random words to create a strong password and enable 2-step verification (2SV).
• Be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts or adverts that offer unbelievably good deals on tickets. 
• Is the vendor a member of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR)? If they are, they have signed up to strict governing standards. STAR offers an approved Alternative Dispute Resolution service to help with any outstanding complaints. View their Buying Tickets Safely guide.

If you live in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and you have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, report it at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, victims of fraud and cybercrime can report it to Police Scotland on 101.

Find out more about protecting yourself from fraud.