Music fans lost an estimated £150 million to ticket fraud in the last year, according to new research that has prompted a stark warning from the Government and O2.
The campaign, urging gig-goers to 'Stop! Think Fraud' before handing over cash, comes as major tours from Ariana Grande, The Weeknd and Bon Jovi attract fans this summer.
Fake listings spread across social media
Scammers can target people desperate to get tickets, with fake listings appearing across social media and online platforms. Research commissioned by O2 found that more than one in ten, or 14%, of gig-goers surveyed had bought a fake ticket.
More than three quarters of those fake tickets, 77%, were purchased through online platforms. Young music fans were found to be particularly vulnerable, with 31% of 18 to 24-year-olds saying they had been sold a fake ticket, compared with just 4% of those aged 55 and over.
Ticket fraud can happen when someone buys a ticket through a website or social media platform, only for it never to arrive or to discover it is fake.
Officials urge caution
Fraud Minister Lord Hanson warned that scammers can exploit fans' excitement and fear of missing out. He said: “Fraud is an absolutely shameful crime, and this data shows that anyone can be a victim.
“Scammers exploit our excitement and desperation to see our favourite artists live. They post fake messages on social media seeking to catch fans when their guard is down in a last-minute rush for tickets.
“I urge everyone to Stop! Think Fraud before buying tickets – let’s not let scammers get in the way of enjoying concerts this summer.”
Gareth Griffiths, Director, Partnerships and Sponsorship at Virgin Media O2, said fans should remain vigilant when buying tickets. He said: “Ticketing scams are a blight on the UK's live music industry, and it's heartbreaking to see so many fans being targeted.
“Seeing your favourite artist live should be an exciting experience, not one that leaves you out of pocket or turned away at the door. That's why O2 is encouraging fans to stay vigilant, buy tickets only from official authorised services and use capped fan-to-fan resale platforms when a show is sold out.”
Government plans and advice for fans
The Government has also announced plans to make it illegal to resell live-event tickets for more than their original cost. Earlier this year, it committed £250 million to tackling fraud and protecting the public.
Fans are being urged not to let FOMO push them into making a rushed purchase. They should use official ticketing websites, avoid making direct payments via bank transfer or virtual currency, and remember that buying second-hand tickets can carry risks.
Adam Webb, Campaign Manager at FanFair Alliance, said: "Nobody should get scammed when attempting to buy a ticket. To prevent that from occurring, I would urge fans to avoid recommendations on search engines or social media. Go to the artist or event website and only use official authorised ticket services or capped fan-to-fan resale."
