Thousands of young football fans in the UK fell victim to ticketing fraud last season, with Lloyds Bank estimating that around 6,000 people were tricked into paying for non-existent Premier League tickets. The bank reported a 30% increase in football ticketing fraud compared to the previous season, highlighting the need for fans to be cautious when purchasing tickets.
According to Lloyds Bank, the average amount lost by victims was £177, with some individuals losing over £1,000. The most targeted fans were supporters of top teams like Arsenal and Liverpool, with criminals using fake posts on social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace and X (formerly Twitter) to lure in unsuspecting fans.
Criminals typically create fake advertisements for tickets that do not exist, often using images of real tickets to deceive buyers. Once the victim makes a payment, usually through bank transfer, the fraudster disappears, leaving the victim with nothing in return. Unlike transactions made with a bank card, bank transfers do not offer the same level of protection, making it difficult for victims to recover their money.
To prevent falling victim to ticketing scams, fans are advised to only purchase tickets from official channels and to be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. UK Finance recommends using a credit card for purchases between £100 and £30,000 for added protection. The Premier League also advises fans to buy directly from clubs or authorized ticket partners to avoid fraud.
The banking industry is calling on tech and social media companies to take more action to prevent fraud on their platforms and help reimburse victims. With nearly £86 million lost to “purchase scams” last year, it is crucial for fans to stay vigilant and cautious when buying tickets online.
