WEEKLY FRAUD UPDATE FROM WEST MERCIA POLICE – ECONOMIC CRIME UNIT – 10/06/2025

TICKET FRAUD

According to Action Fraud, the financial losses in the last year form Ticket Fraud have risen by 47% to over £9,000,000. The highest levels of reporting in that period were in the months of June and July, so now is the time to be extra vigilant when purchasing tickets for outdoor events, concerts and all the upcoming sporting fixtures.

You can rest assured that the criminals will use this opportunity to attempt to defraud the unsuspecting purchaser with “Too good to be true offers”.

Criminals either set up fake websites, or social media profiles, to sell tickets for major events (such as sports, music or theatre) that are either fraudulent, or just do not exist.

Websites may even look like those of genuine organisations, but subtle changes in the URL can indicate that it is fraudulent. Criminals might also have used images of genuine tickets to commit fraud.

They may get in touch via text, email, or direct message to advertise fake tickets. They create fake posts, or pages on social media, to scam those looking for tickets.

You may be sent, or given, tickets only to be told they are fake when you arrive at the venue. You may also be told to collect them at the venue on the day from their “agent”, but that person never arrives.

 

Ways TO SPOT TICKET FRAUD

• You see an offer for a ticket online, in an email or in a message.
• You are offered tickets for a high-demand or sold-out event at a “too good to be true” price.
• You’re asked to pay by bank transfer only, and not via the secure payment methods recommended by reputable online retailers.
• You are told that a customer representative will be arranged to meet outside the venue.
• You see a website that looks similar to that of a genuine organisation but there are subtle changes to the URL.

 

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF?

• Only buy tickets from the venue’s box office, official promoter or agent, or a well-known ticketing website.
• Avoid paying for tickets by bank transfer, especially if buying from someone unknown. Using a credit card gives you a better chance of recovering the money if you become a victim of fraud.
• The password you use for your email account, as well as any other accounts you use to purchase tickets, should be different from all your other passwords. Use three random words to create a strong and memorable password and enable 2-step verification (2SV).
• Be wary of unsolicited emails, texts or adverts offering unbelievably good deals on tickets.
• Is the vendor a member of STAR? If they are, the company has signed up to their strict governing standards. STAR also offers an approved Alternative Dispute Resolution service to help customers with outstanding complaints. For more information visit star.org.uk/buy_safe.

Whilst this has focused on the summer season of outdoor events, please do not forget the same principles apply to indoor events as well which can leave the ticket buyer vulnerable.