**Music Lovers Warned: Last-Minute Glastonbury and Oasis Tickets Could Spell Trouble**
As anticipation grows for some of the summer’s most eagerly-awaited music events, including Glastonbury Festival and the long-rumoured Oasis reunion tour, fans are being urgently cautioned against snapping up last-minute ticket deals from questionable sources. Worrying new data has revealed a dramatic surge in ticket fraud, with losses reported to exceed £1.6 million in the past year alone.
Official government sources are sounding the alarm for festival-goers and concert enthusiasts, imploring them not to fall prey to scams that have surged hand-in-hand with rising demand for high-profile events. The warning coincides with the government’s ongoing campaign designed to fight back against a tide of online fraud impacting fans across the UK.
Statistical evidence from Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, paints a concerning picture. In the last year, over 3,700 cases of gig ticket-related deception were logged — more than doubling previous records. Perhaps even more troubling, almost half of these scams originated from offers made on various social media platforms, highlighting a shift in how scammers target their victims.
The demographic most affected by these scams appears to be young adults in their twenties, who accounted for more than a quarter of those impacted in 2024. Officials attribute this partly to the digitally savvy nature of this age group and their presence on platforms where fraudsters are increasingly active.
Lord Hanson, Minister for Fraud, took the opportunity to stress the importance of vigilance in the run-up to the busy festival season: “Millions are preparing for a summer of music, but unfortunately, so too are the scammers, poised to take advantage of last-minute panic and the desperate search for tickets. Our message is simple: pause and consider whether the offer in front of you could be a scam. We must all protect ourselves so that no-one’s summer is spoiled by fraud.”
The emotional impact of such scams goes beyond just financial loss. Commander Tor Garnett of City of London Police underscored this, remarking that for many, the anticipation of attending a sold-out event like Glastonbury can quickly sour into heartbreak when fake tickets bought in good faith turn out to be worthless. The disappointment can be both monetary and deeply personal, she said.
Industry insiders are also voicing concern. Richard Davies, who founded the face-value ticket resale platform Twickets, revealed his team has recently identified a proliferation of fraudulent accounts and fake websites targeting Oasis fans in particular. Davies warned, “Every major tour attracts opportunists trying to exploit fans. The best defence is to stay informed and vigilant.”
The clampdown is having some effect. National Trading Standards have successfully prosecuted individuals engaged in ticket touting, with those responsible facing heavy sentences. Mike Andrews, coordinator for the agency’s e-crime team, expressed hope that strict enforcement would help deter would-be scammers, but said more effort was needed to ensure that fans don’t face heartbreak at the gates.
Andrew Parsons, managing director at Ticketmaster UK, echoed the advice given by authorities and industry leaders. He urged fans to buy tickets solely through official outlets, cautioning that a significant number of counterfeit tickets seized each summer originate from purchases made via social networks or unverified sellers. “We hate having to turn fans away,” Parsons said. “Avoiding non-official sources is the safest route.”
Fans are reminded to take heed of several key pointers as outlined in the government-backed “Stop! Think Fraud” campaign. Prioritise purchasing tickets from a venue’s box office or established official sellers, and never abandon secure payment methods for direct transfers or virtual currencies. Most importantly, don’t let the fear of missing out cloud your judgement—pausing to double-check can mean the difference between a summer highlight and a costly disappointment.
As the season of festivals and concerts approaches, the overriding message for music lovers is clear: exercise caution, avoid impulsive purchases, and always verify before you buy. In the end, a little patience and vigilance could save you from becoming the next victim of ticket fraud, ensuring your long-awaited event is experienced with excitement, not regret.