Official figures show that the amount of money lost to ticket fraud more than doubled to £1.6m in 2024, prompting the Government to issue a warning as part of its wider crackdown on scammers and online fraud.
The warning comes on the eve of Glastonbury and just weeks before the Oasis reunion tour kicks off.
Around 3,700 gig ticket fraud reports were made to Action Fraud in 2024, with almost half of them referring to offers made on social media platforms.
The data shows that people in their 20s were most likely to become victims of ticket fraud last year, accounting for 27% of all victims.
Key signs of ticket fraud include unsolicited messages with ticket offers and deals, or requests for payment via bank transfer.
Why Life Insurance Still Matters – Even During a Cost-of-Living Crisis
Sponsored by Post Office
Fraud minister Lord Hanson said: “Fraud is an absolutely shameful crime and today’s data shows that anyone can be a victim. While millions of Britons are getting ready to attend concerts this summer, the scammers are getting ready to exploit the desperate search for tickets, posting fake messages on social media sites offering to resell tickets they can’t use, or making last-minute offers from fake ticket companies.
“That is why our campaign is called ‘Stop! Think Fraud’, so no matter how real a deal looks, we all need to take a moment to think: am I being ripped off? So, let’s all stay cautious, stay alert, and stay protected from fraud. Don’t let the scammers ruin your summer.”
Tor Garnett, City of London Police’s commander for cyber and economic crime, said: “People go to gigs for that ‘once in a lifetime’ experience – especially at sold out concerts and festivals, where the atmosphere is unmatched. But the excitement can vanish in an instant when fans discover their tickets are fake or they’ve been scammed through social media or resale sites. The loss isn’t just financial – it’s deeply emotional, turning anticipation into heartbreak.”
How to avoid ticket fraud
The Government has urged people to follow its ‘Stop! Think Fraud’ campaign advice to ensure they are protected from ticket and gig scams.
- If you’re offered tickets for something in high demand, don’t let the fear of missing out rush your decision. Take a moment to stop, think, and check if the offer is genuine.
- Only buy tickets from the venue’s box office or an official ticketing website.
- Never move away from an official payment platform to make a direct payment via bank transfer or virtual currency. Use the site’s recommended payment methods to stay protected.
Richard Davies, founder of face-value ticket resale platform Twickets, said: “We’ve seen first-hand how fraudsters attempt to exploit high-demand tours. In recent weeks alone, we’ve had to warn fans about multiple fake Twickets accounts and websites set up to trick Oasis fans into handing over money for non-existent tickets.
“Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often mimicking trusted resale platforms like ours or creating convincing social media profiles. It’s vital that fans stop and think before making a purchase. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Always check that the platform is an official resale partner, never buy tickets from unofficial sellers on social media or marketplaces and avoid anyone asking for payment via personal bank transfer.”
