With the new Premier League season set to kick off this weekend, Lloyds Bank has issued a warning about a surge in fake ticket scams on social media. Fraudsters are using platforms like Twitter and Facebook to offer bogus tickets to high-demand matches, preying on fans desperate to attend sold-out games.
According to Lloyds Bank data, scam cases have risen by more than two-thirds between January and June this year, as criminals exploited the pent-up demand for live events following the end of Covid restrictions. The average victim loses £410, but losses for major events such as cup finals can reach up to £2,000.
The scams typically involve fraudsters posting fake ticket pictures and concocting stories about why they cannot attend the match. Victims are then asked to pay via bank transfer, which offers no consumer protection. Liz Ziegler, Lloyds Bank's retail fraud and financial crime director, warned that the majority of these scams begin on social media, where fake profiles make it easy for criminals to advertise non-existent items.
To avoid becoming a victim, Lloyds Bank advises fans to buy tickets only from official club partners or their own websites. Paying by credit or debit card provides extra protection under Section 75 and chargeback rules, while bank transfers are a major red flag. The bank also cautioned that similar scams target concerts and festivals, urging all fans to remain vigilant.
