Ticket scam warning ahead of summer events

Festival and concert goers looking to get tickets to this summer’s in-demand events are urged to keep an eye out for fraudulent sellers.

Ticket fraud involves criminals selling fake, non-existent, or overpriced tickets for events via social media, fake websites, or secondary marketplaces.

Common tactics include ‘too good to be true’ prices, pressure tactics for quick sales, and requests for bank transfers.

Data from Report Fraud – the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime – revealed that 10,143 incidents of ticket fraud were reported from 2024 to 2025, with a total of £9.7 million lost. This works out to an average loss of £966 per victim.

Nottinghamshire Police’s Fraud and Cyber Protect Officers have issued the following advice ready for the season:

• Only buy tickets from the venue’s box office, the promoter, an official agent or a well-known and reputable ticket exchange site
• Avoid paying for tickets by bank transfer, especially if buying from someone unknown. Credit card or payment services such as PayPal give you a better chance of recovering the money if you become a victim of fraud
• The password you use for your email account, as well as any other accounts you use to purchase tickets, should be different from all your other passwords. Use three random words to create a strong and memorable password, and enable 2-step verification (2SV)
• Be wary of unsolicited emails, texts or adverts offering unbelievably good deals on tickets
• Is the vendor a member of Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR)? If they are, the company has signed up to their strict governing standards. STAR also offers an approved Alternative Dispute Resolution service to help customers with outstanding complaints. For more information visit star.org.uk/buy_safe

The warning comes ahead of top summer events, such as Nottingham’s own Splendour Festival, and the popular Harry Styles’ Together, Together Tour.

Detective Sergeant Sally Collins, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Fraud and Cyber Crime Unit, said:

“A fake ticket costs more than money — it costs your whole night.

“Fraudsters all over the globe are trying to make money out of people’s wish to buy tickets quickly and easily online.

“So, no matter what you’re buying a ticket for – whether it be a concert, sports event or theatre performance -  make sure to remain vigilant and follow the advice above.

“Always buy tickets from an official events organiser or website and if you are tempted to buy from a secondary ticket source, make sure to research the company or the person online before making the purchase.”

If you have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, report it at https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/ or by calling 0300 123 2040.