A staggering £6.7 million was lost to ticket fraud in 2023, according to new data released by Action Fraud this week.
The national fraud and cybercrime reporting service has launched a ticket fraud awareness campaign, urging the public to remain vigilant against fraudsters targeting individuals planning to attend popular and sold-out events.
Last year, over 8,700 people reported falling victim to ticket fraud, resulting in an average loss of £772 per victim. This alarming trend underscores the need for heightened awareness and caution when purchasing tickets, especially online.
To protect oneself from falling prey to fraudulent schemes, Action Fraud advises the following precautions:
- Purchase tickets only from official sources such as the venue’s box office, the event promoter, or reputable ticket exchange sites.
- Avoid making payments via bank transfer, particularly when dealing with unfamiliar sellers. Opt for safer payment methods like credit cards or PayPal, which offer added protection against fraud.
- Strengthen online account security by using unique passwords for each platform and enabling multi-factor authentication where possible.
- Exercise caution when responding to unsolicited emails or advertisements offering unrealistically low prices for tickets.
- Verify the legitimacy of ticket vendors by checking if they are members of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR), which upholds stringent standards in the ticketing industry.
If any suspicion arises regarding the authenticity of an email or advertisement, individuals are encouraged to report it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) at report@phishing.gov.uk. Additionally, resources and advice on maintaining online security can be found at cyberaware.gov.uk.
In the face of escalating cyber threats, Action Fraud emphasises the importance of promptly reporting incidents of fraud or cybercrime. Victims can report such incidents online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
