Ticket Fraud

If you are thinking of buying tickets to a live event remember to look out for the signs of ticket fraud and follow the Take Five advice.

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 don’t exist. Websites may even look like  the genuine organisation’s  but subtle changes in the URL can indicate that it’s fraudulent. Criminals might have used images of genuine tickets to commit fraud. They may get in touch via text, email, DM or 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.

It is always safest to book tickets through official sellers that are members of the self-regulatory body the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR), as anything else could be a scam.

How to spot ticket fraud

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

 

For more information about how you can protect yourself from fraud and scams click here.

Always remember

Criminals are experts at impersonating people and trusted organisations so always make sure to research who you are buying tickets from and be wary of celebrity-endorsements in case it’s a scam.


Do your research on sites you are buying tickets from and read reviews from trusted sources.


Always access the website you’re purchasing from by typing it into your web browser and be wary of clicking on links in unsolicited emails or social media posts. Use the secure payment method recommended by reputable online retailers and auction sites.


Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or social media posts.


Be suspicious of any “too good to be true” offers or prices and be wary of requests to pay by bank transfer only. Always use the secure payment methods recommended by reputable online retailers.


If possible, use a credit card when making purchases over £100 and up to £30,000 as you receive protection under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.


Book tickets directly through official sellers who are members of the self-regulatory body Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR), as anything else could be a scam.


If you have visited a website you think is suspicious you can report it to the National Cyber Security Centre using the ‘report a suspicious website’ form on their website.

Scam warning: Criminals may purport to be from Take Five, using our official branding on websites, social media posts, literature, on the phone or by text. Take Five doesn’t provide endorsement or approval for any products/services and would never call or text anyone.