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Cracking down on event ticket fraud

Trading Standards take action to protect residents

As the excitement for summer concerts and events builds, residents are urged to stay vigilant against the rising tide of online ticket scams. Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards have launched a comprehensive campaign to combat event ticket fraud, aiming to safeguard residents from financial losses and disappointment.

There are lots of exciting events taking place this year from sporting events such as the Olympics in Paris, the FA Cup final and Formula 1 at Silverstone and the cricket T20 World Cup to various music concerts and festivals including Glastonbury, the Isle of Wight Festival and Taylor Swift at the O2. Unfortunately, there are criminals who take advantage of the popularity of these events, exploiting the high demand for tickets with online ticket scams.

How it happens

Event ticket fraud preys on the enthusiasm of eager concert-goers and sports fans, offering counterfeit tickets, non-existent seats, and inflated prices. This deceit not only hits consumers in the pocket but also undermines trust in legitimate event organisers and venues.

Tips for safe ticket purchases

  • To avoid falling victim to fraudsters, follow these essential tips:
  • Purchase tickets only from legitimate sources
  • Always use a credit or debit card for online transactions, avoiding bank transfers
  • Exercise caution when buying tickets from individuals on social media
  • Beware of unusually low prices and too-good-to-be-true deals
  • Check the website's security features, ensuring it starts with https and displays a padlock icon
  • Verify if the vendor is a member of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR)

How to report it

If you or someone you know, needs advice or wants to report ticket fraud, please contact the Citizens Advice consumer service online or call them on 0808 223 1133. The helpline takes all enquiries on behalf of Trading Standards across England and Wales and will pass your report to the relevant team.

Alternatively, if you have been a victim of this fraud and lost money, please contact Action Fraud online or call them on 0300 123 2040.

For more information on how to avoid scams see the Trading Standards web page and sign up to their regular newsletter.

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