West Mercia Police Update - Ticket Fraud

As we move into the summer, this is not only the season of outdoor events and concerts, but also mainline sporting events including Euro 2024 and the Paris Olympics, and not forgetting a continuing programme of star-studded indoor concerts.

So, at the same time this gives the fraudster another opportunity to scam the unsuspecting purchaser with “Too good to be true offers”.

Criminals either set up fake websites, or social media profiles, to sell tickets for major events (such as sports, music or theatre) that are either fraudulent, or just do not exist.

Websites may even look like those of genuine organisations, but subtle changes in the URL can indicate that it is fraudulent. Criminals might have used images of genuine tickets to commit fraud.

They may get in touch via text, email, or direct message to advertise fake tickets. They create fake posts, or pages on social media, to scam those looking for tickets.
You may be sent, or given, tickets only to be told they are fake when you arrive at the venue.
It is always safest to book tickets through official sellers that are members of the self-regulatory body the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR), as anything else could be a scam. If possible, always pay by Credit Card to give yourself some protection on refunds.

WAYS TO SPOT TICKET FRAUD
• You see an offer for a ticket online, in an email or in a message.
• You are offered tickets for a high-demand or sold-out event at a “too good to be true” price.
• You’re asked to pay by bank transfer only, and not via the secure payment methods recommended by reputable online retailers.
• You are told that a customer representative will be arranged to meet outside the venue.
• You see a website that looks similar to that of a genuine organisation but there are subtle changes to the URL.
Whilst this has focused on the summer season of outdoor events, please do not forget the same principles apply to indoor events as well which can leave the ticket buyer vulnerable.

CHECK A WEBSITE

Check a Website is a simple online tool anyone can use to check if a website is genuine or just a scam before you visit it.

It is provided by “Get Safe Online” so all you have to do is visit https://www.getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite
and enter the relevant suspect website address where instructed.