Ticket scams

Fraudsters might fool you into purchasing fake tickets for concerts, sports or other events. Avoid the disappointment and protect your money.

 

Has an event caught your eye?

Fraudsters can scam you with low-price tickets that turn out to be fake or don’t exist at all.

In April 2024, Lloyds Banking Group reported that over 600 customers lost an average of £332, to fraudsters selling fake Taylor Swift tickets. Though in some cases it was more than £1,000.¹

The majority of the reported concert ticket scams started with fake adverts on Facebook, including Facebook Marketplace.¹

How to spot a ticket scam

Does the deal seem too cheap?

When an event sells out quickly, fraudsters know that people are desperate to find tickets. Take your time and be careful.

People are getting tricked into paying for cheap tickets that don’t exist. They lose their money and end up with nowhere to go.

If it seems too good to be true, it usually is. Book your tickets through a company you trust. It might cost you more, but you’ll have less chance of losing your money.

Before you pay, stop to think:

  • Have you found the tickets on social media? 
  • Does the deal seem too good to be true?
  • Can you pay with your debit or credit card?

Be vigilant and don’t pay for something if you’re not sure.

What to look out for?

Fraudsters use social media, such as Facebook Marketplace and Instagram, to sell last minute tickets that don’t exist.

If the seller tell you things like somebody else wants to buy now, to pressure you into a quick sale, it could be a scam.

You might be asked to pay upfront, but once they have your money, the fraudsters disappear. Leaving you with no tickets and without your money.

Make sure the seller and the tickets are real before you pay.

Using PayPal?

If you’re being asked to pay using PayPal friends and family, it’s to avoid PayPal charges. You won’t get any payment protection if you pay this way.

Spotting a fake website

Check the site looks right

Fake websites fool you into thinking you’re dealing with well-known, trustworthy brands. 

Check the web address and page. If you see spelling mistakes, blurry images or different designs to the site you normally use, it could be a scam.

Get Safe Online has a website checker that you can use, if you’re not sure.

Read the reviews

Book tickets from reputable sellers or directly from the event venue or the performer.

Be cautious of websites that sell tickets at extremely low prices, as they may be fraudulent.

Always check customer reviews on platforms like Trustpilot or TripAdvisor before buying anything.

Learn about other scams and how to protect yourself

Learn about the latest scams

Fraudsters are always looking for new ways to try to steal your details and money. Discover which scams are common right now.

Go to latest scams

Have you been targeted by fraudsters

Contact us right away if you think you’ve been scammed. We can then guide you on what to do next.

Contact us now
  1. Source: ‘Lloyds Bank issues urgent warning over Taylor Swift ticket scams’, published in April 2024. Figures based on analysis of relevant purchase scams (concert tickets) reported by customers of Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland (where Taylor Swift/Eras Tour referenced as part of the claim) between July 2023 and March 2024.

Stay scam safe

Learn how to spot and avoid scams, and how to report fraud.

Protect yourself from fraud

Stay scam safe

Learn how to spot and avoid scams, and how to report fraud.

Protect yourself from fraud