What are ticket scams?
Ticket scams happen when criminals advertise or sell tickets for concerts, sports events, festivals, theatre shows or other popular events, but the tickets are fake, duplicated or do not exist.
They often target people searching for sold-out or high-demand events and may pressure buyers to pay quickly before they have time to check whether the offer is genuine.
How do ticket scams work?
Criminals use social media, messaging apps, online marketplaces, fake websites and cloned ticketing pages to make their offers look genuine. They may use real event images, convincing branding, fake reviews or urgent language to encourage quick payment.
- On social media: criminals may create fake profiles and use posts, groups or direct messages offering tickets for popular events.
- On websites: criminals may build fake ticketing sites or copy genuine sites with small changes to the web address, branding or wording.
The safest way to buy tickets is to use official sellers, recognised resale platforms and using secure payment methods. If a seller asks for a bank transfer, contacts you through social media, offers a deal that seems too good to be true, or asks you to meet outside the venue, stop and check before paying.
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What are the warning signs of a ticket scam?
- The ticket is much cheaper than similar tickets elsewhere.
- The seller says you must pay quickly or you will lose the ticket.
- The seller asks for payment by bank transfer instead of a secure payment method.
- The seller contacts you through social media or a messaging app with an offer.
- The web address has unusual spelling, extra words, missing letters or small changes from the official site.
- You are told someone will meet you outside the venue with the ticket.
- The seller refuses to provide clear booking details, seat information or confirmation from an official ticket provider.
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How can I tell if a ticket website is fake?
Check the web address carefully, look for spelling mistakes or unusual wording, compare it with the official event or venue website, and search for independent reviews. Be cautious if the site is offering sold-out tickets at unusually low prices.
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Is it safe to buy tickets from social media?
Buying tickets from social media can be risky because criminals can create fake profiles, posts and messages. If you cannot verify the seller and use a secure payment method, do not pay.
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What should I do before buying tickets for a sold-out event?
Use the event organiser, venue, official ticket agent or recognised resale platform. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true, and do not let urgency or fear of missing out pressure you into paying before checking.
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What to do if you think you have been scammed
If you think you have paid for a fake ticket or shared your financial information with a criminal, contact your bank immediately. You should also report the scam to the Police at reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
