HOW TO AVOID TICKET SCAMS

Here’s how to attend the big events of the year without falling prey to online fraudsters

Fans of live entertainment are looking forward to an action-packed summer, from the Olympic Games and Euro 2024 to Glastonbury and Glyndebourne, plus world tours by Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift. But anyone trying to get hold of a sought-after ticket at the last minute should be aware that ticket scams are on the increase. According to Lloyds Bank, concert ticket scams soared 529% in 2023, while football ticket scams jumped 101%.

Kirsty Adams, digital eagle at Barclays, says, ‘While most fans will have already secured tickets for big events, it’s likely we’ll see a surge of resales nearer the time, with scammers targeting fans who may have missed out and failed to secure a ticket in the ballot or draw process.’ She adds: ‘When you’re caught up in the excitement and rush of trying to buy a ticket, it can be really easy to stray from genuine ticket sites and not realise you’re falling into the hands of a scammer.’

7 WAYS TO STAY SAFE

● Scammers often target victims through fake websites, social media posts or emails offering tickets at discounted prices. To stay safe, only buy through trusted sources, such as official retailers or members of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) or Association of Secondary Ticket Agents (ASTA) – for example, Ticketmaster, Viagogo or Stubhub.

● Avoid deals that seem too good to be true – they probably are!

● Always check how much money has left your bank account.

Scammers can make false error messages appear saying there’s a problem taking your payment, which could mean you end up paying twice.

● Use a debit or credit card to pay and never a bank transfer, so you’re protected if something you pay for doesn’t arrive. Credit card payments between £100 and £30,000 are protected under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, while you can ask your bank to refund a debit card payment if an item doesn’t arrive or is faulty, via a chargeback.

● Be wary of clicking on links and always ensure URLS and email addresses are from genuine sources. Spelling errors and complicated website addresses are red flags.

● Type website addresses into your browser, rather than clicking through from an email link.

● Report ticket scams to your bank

immediately, as it may be able to stop the payment. You can also report a scam to the national fraud and cybercrime centre Action Fraud, at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.