### Warning Issued as Ticket Scam Victims Lose Hundreds: Experts Advise Public on How to Stay Safe
Britons are being urged to stay vigilant when purchasing event tickets online, following a recent study revealing that ticket scams are on the rise, with one in five UK adults already having fallen victim. According to a survey of 2,000 adults, conducted by OnePoll.com, the average loss per individual sits at £186 – highlighting a costly consequence for those caught out by fraudulent sellers.
The findings shed a worrying light on the prevalence of online ticketing fraud. It emerged that not only have 20% of participants suffered actual financial losses, but a further 28% narrowly escaped being duped, admitting to feeling disappointed, frustrated, and indignant after a close call. More alarmingly, more than a quarter (27%) opted not to confide in others about their ordeal – whether it involved a near miss or a successful scam.
In response to the growing threat, representatives from The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR), an organisation comprising respected names such as Ticketmaster, have offered practical advice to help the public identify and avoid scams. Jonathan Brown, chief executive of STAR, observed: “Criminals are constantly adapting their tactics, but you can stay safe by sticking to trusted, officially verified sellers. Using a STAR member provides an extra layer of security, including access to our Alternative Dispute Resolution service if things don’t go to plan.”
The surge in demand for live events – particularly concerts, sporting fixtures, and festivals – is cited as a key reason scammers are increasingly targeting would-be attendees. A spokesperson for Ticketmaster added weight to the warnings: “Our strongest guidance is to avoid buying tickets through social media channels, where you can never be absolutely sure who you’re dealing with. Fraudsters exploit urgency and excitement to lure buyers into deals that seem too good to refuse but are anything but.”
The survey further revealed several key signals that can alert ticket buyers to a potential scam. Three particular red flags to look out for include offers for tickets before an event is officially on sale, being directed to websites that imitate legitimate ticketing platforms, and unsolicited private messages from strangers offering tickets to sold-out events. Recognising these warning signs, according to campaigners, is crucial to steering clear of fraud.
While the majority (72%) of those who narrowly avoided falling for scams managed to do so by trusting their instincts when something felt off with the transaction, 43% reported that their banking apps alerted them to suspicious activity and prompted a reconsideration. This underlines the importance of using payment methods with strong security measures and taking a moment of reflection before finalising online purchases.
Music concerts are revealed to be the most frequently targeted type of event, closely followed by major sporting events and family-oriented gatherings, such as children’s shows. Shockingly, almost a quarter of respondents reported encountering suspicious behaviour when seeking tickets for their children or family members, suggesting that fraudsters are exploiting parental eagerness.
Despite the widespread threat, only 60% of people expressed confidence in their ability to spot a ticket scam online, and nearly half of those acknowledging previous purchases from unofficial sources admitted awareness of the risks but took the chance regardless. This hints at a need for greater awareness and education, especially given the sophisticated techniques now employed by fraudsters.
Superintendent Amanda Wolf from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau at City of London Police issued a seasonal warning: “With major tours and sporting moments taking place this summer, last-minute buyers are increasingly vulnerable to scams. Always pause and consider the possibility of fraud, especially when approached via social media by unknown sellers, and consult official resources like Action Fraud for up-to-date advice.”
In summary, experts stress that by double-checking the authenticity of ticket sellers, avoiding hasty decisions, and remaining wary of deals that seem improbable, consumers can significantly reduce their risk of falling prey to ticket scams. With fraudsters continuing to capitalise on popular events and the public’s enthusiasm, staying informed and cautious is now more important than ever.