Music and sports fans could be in for a “cruel summer” as the threat of ticket scams rises, with Taylor Swift concerts and the Euros being the biggest targets, Nationwide has said.
The building society warned that more than one in three people aged 16 to 34 have bought an event ticket which turned out to be fake or know someone who has been targeted, according to its research.
Purchase scams are up 33 percent from 2022/23 to 2023/34, with consumers losing an average of £394 to fraudsters.
Jim Winters, Nationwide’s director of economic crime, commented: “We want everyone to enjoy their summer, which is why we want to remind anyone going to a festival or event to double-check that what they are buying is the real deal.”
A poll of 2,000 respondents from across the UK found the following events were most prone to scams:
Nationwide offers a Scam Checker Service designed to protect customers when making a purchase.
Mr Winters added: “Taking time out might seem like going to the back of the queue but if you see an offer that is too good to be true, it probably is.
“It is why we offer a Scam Checker Service that protects purchases, as customers can check in with us before they check out. And if we give the go-ahead for a payment and a scam takes place, we will fully refund the amount lost.”
Nationwide’s Scam Checker Service means customers can come into their local branch and speak directly to the team, or phone a free 24/7 helpline on 0800 030 40 57 to check payments they’re worried about with specially trained expert staff.
More than a quarter (28 percent) of ticket scams originate on social media, according to the research, with Facebook Marketplace accounting for 26 percent.
This is followed by personal email (22 percent), eBay (17 percent), illegitimate websites (12 percent), Vinted (12 percent), Reddit (10 percent) and Depop (nine percent).
Top tips to avoid an event ticket scam
Nationwide Building Society has shared a few tips to help people protect themselves from falling for a scam when buying event tickets – the first being to use official websites.
It said: “It’s always best to book through official sellers that are members of the self-regulatory body of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR).”
Additionally, people should check for any subtle changes to the website URLs of any genuine organisations.
The building society said: “Criminals create fake websites to advertise fake tickets. Always look for a padlock symbol in the address bar.”
People can also check with the event organiser, promoter or venue about how tickets are being sold and distributed. People should also check the event website to confirm if tickets can be resold.
Nationwide added: “Wherever possible, pay through the website using your debit or credit card as they offer more protection. Don’t pay by bank transfer.”
And finally, it noted: “Be suspicious of tickets offered on social media or if you’re contacted by text, email or direct message.”
