Research of 2,000 UK adults found that 28% had succumbed to a ‘near miss’ which left them feeling disappointed, frustrated and angry
Research involving 2,000 UK adults has uncovered that one in five have been duped by at least one ticket scam, with an average loss of £186 per person.
The survey also revealed that 28% of people had a close call with ticket fraud, resulting in feelings of disappointment, frustration, and rage.
Additionally, 27% of those who experienced a near miss or an actual online ticketing scam kept it a secret from others.
In response to the rise in ticket fraud incidents, an expert from The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailer (STAR), which includes Ticketmaster among its members, has offered essential advice to detect red flags and avoid being scammed.
Jonathan Brown, chief executive of STAR, warned against savvy fraudsters and advised: “Fraudsters are getting smarter, but there are ways to stay safe.”
He encouraged potential buyers to use verified sellers to ensure genuine tickets, adding: “Stick to secure, verified sellers to make sure your ticket leads to the real experience and not to disappointment.”
Brown highlighted the benefits of buying from a STAR member for protection and resolution support: “Buying from a STAR member is one of the best ways to protect yourself and you’ll have access to our Alternative Dispute Resolution service if anything goes wrong.”
A representative from Ticketmaster further cautioned fans, particularly noting the risks associated with social media purchases: “Our top piece of advice when purchasing tickets is to avoid buying from social media at all costs – you never know who is on the other side of the screen.”
Ticketmaster’s spokesperson emphasised the urgency with which scammers operate, preying on excited buyers: “As demand surges for concerts, sports events and festivals, fraudsters often take advantage of that urgency, luring people in with deals that are simply too good to be true.
“Everyone deserves to enjoy their favourite events without worrying about being scammed. By staying vigilant, doing a quick bit of research and resisting the pressure to act fast, you can help protect yourself and others from falling victim to ticket fraud.”
The study also revealed that among those who narrowly avoided being scammed, 72% became suspicious about the transaction and pulled out.
However, 43% were saved when their banking app suggested they verify further details, prompting them to think twice.
According to the OnePoll.com data, scammers are most likely to target music concerts, followed by sporting events and festivals. Moreover, 24% have even witnessed suspicious behaviour when attempting to purchase tickets to family or children’s events.
Alarmingly, only 60% of those polled were confident they could identify a ticketing scam online. Furthermore, among those who have bought tickets from unofficial sources in the past, nearly half (44%) were aware it wasn’t a completely secure method.
A Ticketmaster spokesperson added: “Some scammers even try to sell you tickets before the event is on sale, remember that this will always be a fake unless it’s an official presale.
“Another tactic is sending fans a link to a replica of an official ticketing website – so go directly to the page rather than following links.”
Superintendent Amanda Wolf, head of the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau at the City of London Police stated: “This summer we’re seeing all the biggest ticketed concerts and events happen, like the Oasis reunion tour, but those scrambling to buy last minute tickets have become prime targets for fraudsters.
“Remember to take a moment and Stop! Think Fraud before buying tickets through social media. “Look out for unsolicited or unexpected messages selling sold-out tickets as it could be a fraudster. Stay safe and follow Action Fraud’s advice to protect yourself from fraud.”
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