**Government Issues Urgent Scam Alert to Glastonbury and Oasis Fans**
Music enthusiasts preparing for the summer’s highly anticipated live events—such as Glastonbury Festival and the much-hyped Oasis reunion—are being cautioned over a significant surge in ticket fraud, with authorities urging extra vigilance amid last-minute ticket sales proliferating online.
This warning comes on the back of new figures showing that over £1.6 million was lost to ticket scams during 2024 alone—an amount more than double that reported the previous year. The revelation has prompted the UK Government to ramp up its campaign against online fraudsters, with a specific focus on targeting the rising threat posed by scammers on social media platforms.
According to data published by Action Fraud and the Home Office, there were approximately 3,700 incidents of gig ticket fraud reported last year. Nearly half of these crimes originated from offers found on social networks, illustrating the ease with which fraudsters can reach potential victims in today’s digital age. Worryingly, young adults in their twenties have been particularly affected, making up more than a quarter of all victims reported over the twelve-month period.
With the summer schedule brimming with concerts, festivals, and blockbuster music events, Government officials are urging fans to follow the “Stop! Think Fraud” campaign, which offers advice on safe practices for buying tickets. Lord Hanson, Minister for Fraud, underscored the risks: “Millions are eagerly awaiting concerts and festivals, only for some to fall prey to sophisticated scams. Fraudsters post alluring offers and false claims of spare tickets across social media and fraudulent websites.” He continued by encouraging people to pause and scrutinise deals that appear unexpectedly, no matter how convincing they seem.
Police authorities have also raised concerns about the emotional toll such scams can inflict. Commander Tor Garnett, head of cyber and economic crime at City of London Police, commented: “Attending a sold-out gig or festival is meant to be a memorable occasion. Yet, for many, that joy evaporates instantly upon learning their tickets are fake—often purchased in good faith through fraudulent social media profiles or third-party reselling sites. The damage is not merely monetary; it can be deeply disheartening for keen fans.”
Mike Andrews from the National Trading Standards e-crime team highlighted the ongoing efforts to tackle the issue: “Every year, fans are left devastated, and sometimes out of pocket, when they find out at the gates they have been duped. Legal action is being taken to penalise unscrupulous ticket touts, with several facing jail time as a result of recent prosecutions.”
Industry leaders are also adding their voices to the chorus of caution. Richard Davies, founder of Twickets—a reputable face-value resale platform—stated: “Fraudsters are becoming increasingly brazen, even creating counterfeit versions of legitimate platforms aimed at deceiving fans, especially around high-demand events like the Oasis reunion.”
Meanwhile, Andrew Parsons, managing director of Ticketmaster UK, reminded music lovers that official channels remain the only fully secure sources for ticket purchases. “Always check the artist’s or event’s official website for guidance on legitimate sellers, and never be tempted by seemingly genuine offers from strangers or unofficial sites. Too often, fans are turned away at the gate after buying fakes through social networks.”
To help tackle the growing problem, the “Stop! Think Fraud” campaign recommends several practical precautions. Buyers should never allow the pressure of scarcity or fear of missing out to short-circuit their decision-making; all purchases should go through official outlets or verified partners. Importantly, payments should always be made via authorised platforms rather than direct bank transfers, which are much harder to recover if things go wrong.
As the festival season begins in earnest, music fans are strongly encouraged to remain vigilant and to think carefully before acting on any ticket offers that appear online, particularly on social media and in private groups, as scammers become increasingly sophisticated and creative in their efforts to exploit demand.
With millions set to attend live events across the country this summer, the call for caution could not be more timely. As authorities warn, taking a few extra steps to verify the source and security of ticket offers can make all the difference between an unforgettable summer and a costly disappointment.