Football ticket scams are on the rise ahead of the new Premier League season, according to Lloyds Bank.
The bank has reported that cases of ticket scams relating to football increased by 68 per cent between January and June this year compared to the six-month period prior to that in the back end of 2021. On average victims lost £410 according to the bank.
It is claimed that fraudsters have been able to utilise the demand for tickets for live events in the aftermath of the pandemic. Sport was played behind closed doors for over a year and it has led to renewed desire from fans to see live action, which has resulted in the scam spike.
The bank have cited the nature of ticket sales in football as an area which has been particularly targeted. Matches almost always sell out, some weeks in advance, with fans still desperate for tickets. Scams often occur when customers are tricked into sending money from their bank accounts to fraudsters online.
Liz Ziegler, retail fraud and financial crime director at Lloyds Bank, said: "It's easy to let our emotions get the better of us when following our favourite team. But, while that passion makes for a great atmosphere in grounds across the country, when it comes to buying tickets for a match, it's important not to get carried away in the excitement.
"The vast majority of these scams start on social media, where it's all too easy for fraudsters to use fake profiles and advertise items that simply don't exist. These criminals are ready to disappear as soon as they have their hands on your money. Buying directly from the clubs or their official ticket partners is the only way to guarantee you're paying for a real ticket."
Have you say! Have you been the victim of ticket fraud? Let us know here.
The bank had seen victims lose as much as £2000 when it came to major events like cup finals. Fraudsters also made an effort to target top six clubs, European games and international matches.
Social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook are often used to offer fake tickets. Often pictures will be used to make the ticket seem legitimate or some even make up stories as to why they can't attend the game to make it seem more believable.
Customers are advised to use a debit or credit card when making online purchases to give them extra protection. This is because Section 75 and Chargeback rules will help should they be victims of fraud. Section 75 protection when using a credit card means that your card provider could be responsible for compensating you if your purchased items are not as advertised.
