Latest news with #ticketfraud
The Independent
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Urgent warning issued for anyone buying last-minute Glastonbury Festival and Oasis tour tickets
Music fans are being urged to exercise extreme caution when purchasing last-minute tickets online, as new figures reveal a staggering £1.6 million was lost to concert ticket fraud last year. The warning comes as eagerly anticipated events, including Glastonbury and potential Oasis reunion tours, drive a surge in demand, leaving fans vulnerable to scams. Data released by Action Fraud, via the Home Office, shows that the £1.6 million lost in 2024 more than doubled the total recorded the previous year. Approximately 3,700 gig ticket fraud reports were made to Action Fraud over the past year, with nearly half of these incidents stemming from offers made on social media platforms. The figures indicate that individuals in their 20s were disproportionately affected, accounting for more than a quarter (27 per cent) of all victims of ticket fraud last year. The government has issued this warning as part of its broader crackdown on scammers and online fraud. Ahead of a busy summer of gigs and festivals, officials are advising the public to follow the guidance of the "Stop! Think Fraud" campaign to protect themselves from falling victim to these scams. Fraud Minister Lord Hanson said: '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, commander for cyber and economic crime at City of London Police, 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. 'Key signs of ticket fraud include unsolicited messages with ticket offers and deals, or requests for payment via bank transfer.' Mike Andrews, national co-ordinator for the National Trading Standards e-crime team, said: 'Every summer, music fans desperate to see their favourite artists at festivals or stadium tours are left distraught and considerably out of pocket at the turnstiles as they discover the tickets they bought in good faith are in fact part of a fraudulent scam. 'Recent National Trading Standards prosecutions have led to serious jail time for ticket touts, which should send a message to all those who choose to engage in fraud that there are severe consequences.' Founder of face-value ticket resale platform Twickets Richard Davies 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.' Andrew Parsons, managing director of Ticketmaster UK, said: 'The safest way to buy tickets is always through official channels – if you're unsure who that is, check the artist's official website as they'll always list legitimate sellers. A lot of fake tickets we see on the gates over summer are bought on social media. 'We hate having to turn fans away, so always avoid buying tickets from unofficial platforms or individuals, even if they seem genuine.' Here are some tips from the campaign for buying tickets safely: 1. If you are offered tickets for something in high demand, do not let fomo (fear of missing out) rush your decision. Take a moment to stop, think, and check if the offer is genuine. 2. Only buy tickets from the venue's box office or an official ticketing website. 3. Do not move away from an official payment platform to make a direct payment via bank transfer or virtual currency. Use the website's recommended payment methods to stay protected.
The Independent
23-06-2025
- The Independent
Music fans urged to be wary of last-minute Glastonbury and Oasis ‘offers'
Music fans are being urged to be cautious about last-minute tickets for sale on social media as new figures reveal that £1.6 million was reported lost to ticket fraud last year. Fans hoping to attend eagerly-anticipated events such as Glastonbury and the Oasis reunion tour are being warned not to put themselves at risk of being scammed. The Government has issued the warning as part of its wider crackdown on scammers and online fraud. Action Fraud in 2024" data-source="Home Office/Action Fraud"> Action Fraud data released by the Home Office show people lost more than £1.6 million in scams related to concert tickets in 2024 – more than double the total recorded the previous year. Around 3,700 gig ticket fraud reports were made to Action Fraud in 2024, with nearly half referring to offers made on social media platforms. People aged in their 20s were most likely to become victims of ticket fraud last year, accounting for more than a quarter (27%) of victims, the figures indicate. The Government is urging people to follow the Stop! Think Fraud campaign advice to ensure they are protected from scams ahead of the busy summer of gigs and festivals. Fraud Minister Lord Hanson said: '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, commander for cyber and economic crime at City of London Police, 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. 'Key signs of ticket fraud include unsolicited messages with ticket offers and deals, or requests for payment via bank transfer.' Mike Andrews, national co-ordinator for the National Trading Standards e-crime team, said: 'Every summer, music fans desperate to see their favourite artists at festivals or stadium tours are left distraught and considerably out of pocket at the turnstiles as they discover the tickets they bought in good faith are in fact part of a fraudulent scam. 'Recent National Trading Standards prosecutions have led to serious jail time for ticket touts, which should send a message to all those who choose to engage in fraud that there are severe consequences.' Founder of face-value ticket resale platform Twickets Richard Davies 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.' Andrew Parsons, managing director of Ticketmaster UK, said: 'The safest way to buy tickets is always through official channels – if you're unsure who that is, check the artist's official website as they'll always list legitimate sellers. A lot of fake tickets we see on the gates over summer are bought on social media. 'We hate having to turn fans away, so always avoid buying tickets from unofficial platforms or individuals, even if they seem genuine.' Here are some tips from the campaign for buying tickets safely: 1. If you are offered tickets for something in high demand, do not let fomo (fear of missing out) rush your decision. Take a moment to stop, think, and check if the offer is genuine. 2. Only buy tickets from the venue's box office or an official ticketing website. 3. Do not move away from an official payment platform to make a direct payment via bank transfer or virtual currency. Use the website's recommended payment methods to stay protected.
BBC News
18-06-2025
- BBC News
Anger at lack of action on 'Oasis ticket scammer'
A group of Oasis fans who claimed they were scammed out of cash for gig tickets have criticised an initial decision not to refer their complaints to Barker, from Oldham, and 18 other people said they had paid Merseyside man Stephen Cavanagh about £6000 between September last year and this January for tickets for the band's forthcoming Manchester Barker said when she challenged Mr Cavanagh, he denied trying to defraud anyone, but did not return her Barker was originally told by Action Fraud that there were "no viable lines of enquiry," but after the BBC began to investigate the agency referred the case to Merseyside Police, which said it was now looking into it. A BBC investigation has found that in the last year, there have been almost 10,000 reports of ticket fraud with losses totalling £ a leading expert said thousands of cases were not being investigated because police did not have the Barker said she was "extremely disappointed", adding: "It was only after me informing them both that I have escalated it and contacted the BBC that any action was instigated. "There is no deterrent out there for people not to commit this offence." Ms Barker said she had been Facebook friends with Mr Cavanagh, who had supported her after she had weight loss said he told her he had tickets for the Oasis gig in Heaton Park, Manchester, on 16 July, which he did not need because he was going to a friend's Barker, who like tens of thousands of other people had missed out on tickets when they went on sale, said she paid him £1,508 for children's home manager, who was planning to celebrate her 50th birthday at the gig, said: "I couldn't wait. I was beside myself that I could get tickets, and we could all experience it together, because it's probably the last time that they'll ever do a tour."Ms Barker said Mr Cavanagh had sent her what appeared to be a Ticketmaster confirmation saying he had the added: "He said his only condition was that I sent him selfies from the gig, and he even sent me GIFs of the band with the catch line 'All Your Dreams Are Made'."And I thought they were. "But shortly after Christmas, Ms Barker received a message from someone warning "anyone who has bought tickets from [Mr Cavanagh]… it's a scam".She said: "I thought, he can't be. He was a lovely lad, I thought."We had calls and Facetimed and he was so personable.""I just feel so embarrassed and ashamed."The BBC has spoken to 15 people who said they had paid Mr Cavanagh for tickets that never came, including former Emmerdale and Happy Valley actor Jamie Barker said Mr Cavanagh had "made mugs of us all". Mr Dorrington told the BBC he had paid for two tickets for his son's 18th was supposed to be a "special dad and lad night"."I'd missed out in the sale so when the offer came up, I was over the moon," he Cavanagh sent him a voice note at Christmas, saying: "All sorted, - hope you have a good time, just make sure you send us a picture when you're there."In a follow-up email, Mr Cavanagh then said: "Jamie, I've started getting some crazy offers for these tickets. Don't worry, mate, they're yours but I've had someone saying they were going to give me £600 for the tickets."Mr Dorrington said: "I even vouched for him over some Liverpool tickets he was offering, and my mate paid him for them."But he didn't turn up , saying his dad had died."So, I put his name into Facebook and saw he'd done the same to others and it was then I realised I'd been scammed."I just feel terrible, and I still haven't been able to tell my lad he's not going." The BBC approached Mr Cavanagh for comment by email and text message but has had no email to Ms Barker from one of Mr Cavanagh's accounts, sent shortly the BBC contacted him, said he had "already admitted to the police what I've the BBC has not been able to confirm if police have spoken to email added: "I'm not looking to get away with it. If I was a real scammer I wouldn't of [sic] used myself and my own social media."There isn't a lot more I can say but I want to pay everyone back."An email sent to another of his accusers said: "I have a drugs problem. I never did anything like this before and I want to get better. Once again I'm sorry. " 'Follow the money' Reports of ticket fraud are on the rise, and 38% of all ticket fraud claims relate to concerts, according to Action Fraud, which is run by the City of London received 600 fraud complaints relating to Taylor Swift's UK gigs last year, and a Lloyds Bank study suggested 1,000 Oasis fans had lost more than £2m to the people who claimed to have been swindled by Mr Cavanagh said they had made complaints to Action Walker, a ticket fraud expert, said thousands of claims like those against Mr Cavanagh were not being passed on to police for told the BBC: "City of London Police once had some of the country's leading fraud investigators, but police cuts saw so many senior detectives leave."That's left Action Fraud relying on pushing all these reports through algorithms and hoping that the computer says yes when in fact, more often than not, the computer says no - and it doesn't connect the dots."So, cases aren't being forward on to police."It happened years ago with the Beyonce concert - there was something like 209 cases sent to Action Fraud yet less than 20 were sent on for investigation."And that's because they're not looked at manually."How can they say there's no viable line of enquiry when they have a name and bank account details of the suspected scammer - that's an audit trail and a line of enquiry right there. First rule of fraud investigation: follow the money."Yet what's happening is that victims are not getting justice and others are put off reporting fraud because they don't think their case will be looked at." 'Let down' In a letter sent to each of Mr Cavanagh's alleged victims, Action Fraud said the case was sent to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau for review, adding: "It has not been possible to identify a line of enquiry which a law enforcement authority in the UK could pursue."Ms Barker said and others who had given money to Mr Cavanagh said she felt let down by Action Fraud and that the system was not fit for added: "I told them we know this man, so it's not a case of identity fraud. I'm struggling to process how they don't feel they have enough evidence to investigate. This is no deterrent, and, as victims, we don't feel supported by Action Fraud or the police."The BBC put the concerns raised by Ms Barker and Mr Walker to Action Fraud, but said: "Not all reports will be passed onto the police for investigation, but there are a number of other key outcomes which put victims first and prevent fraudsters from targeting more victims. "These include Action Fraud's National Economic Crime Victim Care Unit (NECVCU), which helps victims to reclaim stolen money and provides further practical and emotional support. "It also includes the developing of intelligence to assess the bigger picture of fraudulent activity happening across the UK, and disruptive action to prevent other people from falling victim, such as taking down websites, telephone numbers and email addresses linked to fraud."A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: "We have received a referral from Action Fraud in relation to an alleged ticket fraud."Enquiries are in the process of being carried out." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, external, X, external, and Instagram, external. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
South China Morning Post
04-06-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Tally of Hong Kong concert ticket scams rises by 40% amid JJ Lin, Jay Chou shows
The number of reported concert ticket scams in Hong Kong has surged by 40 per cent week on week, according to police, with more than 70 cases from the second half of May related to Mandopop stars JJ Lin and Jay Chou's performances at Kai Tak Stadium. Police said on Wednesday that they received 114 reports of concert ticket scams for the week starting on May 24, compared with the 80 recorded for the week before. The amount of money involved in the cases over the two-week period was more than HK$1.6 million (US$203,900), the force added. In a post on the CyberDefender's social media page, the force said 37 people came forward over the past two weeks after falling victim to scams offering bogus tickets to Singaporean singer JJ Lin's concerts at the stadium on May 24 and 25. Another 23 people approached the force after attempting to buy tickets to Taiwanese performer Jay Chou's shows at the same venue, which will take place from June 27 to 29. Police have said scammers are taking advantage of the high demand and limited supply of tickets for popular concerts. Photo: Elson Li Seventeen people also reported falling victim to bogus ticket sellers for local singer and actor Raymond Lam Fung's concerts at the Hong Kong Coliseum from May 22 to 28.
The Sun
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Brits face losing £100million in ticket scams this summer if resale price caps are introduced, experts warn
BRITS could be ripped off by £100million in ticket scams this summer alone if price caps are introduced on ticketing resale – as fraudsters target the biggest events of the year, experts have warned. Figures from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, Action Fraud and the National Crime Agency revealed ticket fraud across England and Wales cost £70million in 2024. 3 But this year, the figure could rocket to £280million, with potentially more than a third of scams expected to hit in the next few months– £100million – if price caps are imposed as excitement builds around Glastonbury, Wimbledon, and the long-awaited Oasis tour. The findings come from Bradshaw Advisory and independent research from anti-fraud organisation We Fight Fraud, which says scams are likely to quadruple, should price caps be put in place driving consumers to unregulated platforms and risky social media sites. It follows data from Revolut which showed ticket scams soared by 40 per cent ahead of Taylor Swift's London gigs last August. Experts say the UK Government's proposal to cap resale prices could end up playing straight into the hands of scammers – making it easier for fraud to flourish as desperate fans turn to riskier means of securing tickets. Dave Eborne, head of fraud operations at Revolut, said: "We know that highly anticipated events, like concerts and sports matches, can become a target for unscrupulous criminals preying on enthusiastic fans. 'Especially with sought-after tickets, fraudsters leverage both the fear of missing out on a unique opportunity and a sense of urgency due to scarcity and high demand. 'The idea that a potential ticket could disappear quickly encourages people to act fast without thinking – but it's vital that consumers look for tell-tale warning signs before handing over their hard-earned cash. 'As We Fight Fraud's research shows, banning or capping resale doesn't stop these scams; it simply provides another platform for them to thrive, costing fans and the wider economy through increased fraud." The research points to data from Ireland and Victoria, Australia - two regions that have introduced caps and seen significant increase in reports of ticket fraud. The Bradshaw Advisory identified in Ireland, where price caps exist, 13.6 per cent of fans reported being scammed - more than three times the UK's 3.8 per cent rate. And there could be a wider impact as well, as since October 2024, UK banks have been required to reimburse victims of Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud, which includes most ticket scams. Dr Nicola Harding, from We Fight Fraud, said: 'Price caps don't stop fraud - they multiply it and we could see live event fans defrauded to the tune of £100 million this summer. "Smart, transparent regulation of the resale market, and robust consumer education on the warning signs of ticket scams, are the only real solutions to protect fans." TOP TIPS TO AVOID AND SPOT A TICKET SCAM Do your homework: Purchase tickets only through a legitimate and regulated platform. If you are unsure of a website's legitimacy, you can check it by using Get Safe Online's Check a Website tool Cover yourself: Ensure platforms offer fan protection with a guarantee should anything go wrong. Resist the hard sell and social media: Getting in-demand tickets can feel like a race against time but don't let individual sellers pressure you into a quick purchase. Avoid buying tickets on social media where many sellers are unverified, increasing the risk of scams or counterfeit tickets. Verify the venue and date: If the event is taking place at a venue unknown to you, then confirm its existence through online maps and look for independent reviews. Once you have done so, search the original live event announcement or schedule on the artist or team's website to make sure dates and location align. Price check reality: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid suspiciously cheap tickets. 3
