Get the score on football ticket scams

As the new Premier League season kicks off, fraudsters are getting ready to prey on fans eager to grab tickets for the biggest games. New figures from Lloyds Bank reveal that football ticket scams have cost supporters across the UK an estimated £2.5 million in just two years.

If you’re planning to see your favourite team live this season, here’s what you need to know to stay safe – and avoid being left out of pocket.

What’s going on?

Football ticket scams – where fans pay for tickets that never arrive – are on the rise. In just the past two seasons, more than 2,400 Lloyds customers reported being victims of these scams, with losses totalling over £500,000. And because these figures only cover one bank, the true number is likely much higher. Lloyds estimates there have been over 12,000 victims since the start of the 2023-24 season.

Social media is the main danger zone

More than 75% of scams start on social media. Fraudsters post fake adverts offering tickets for high-demand matches – sometimes at a discount or with the claim they’re “first come, first served.” These offers might look legit, but once the money is sent (often by bank transfer), the scammer disappears – and the ticket never turns up.

Who’s being targeted?

• Liverpool fans are the most likely to be targeted, followed by supporters of Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City.
• Fans of Celtic, Rangers, and even Wrexham AFC have also fallen victim.
• Young adults aged 25–34 are most at risk, closely followed by those aged 18–24.
• Victims lost an average of £218 each last season.

How to protect yourself

Fraud experts at Lloyds and the Home Office’s Stop! Think Fraud campaign say the best defence is knowing what to look out for and sticking to trusted sources.

Here are three simple tips to help keep your money safe:

Take your time

Scammers rely on creating a sense of urgency. If someone says there’s just “one ticket left” or that it’s a “limited-time offer,” stop and think before handing over your cash.

Stick to official sources

Only buy tickets from your club’s official website, ticket office, or authorised resale partner. You can check who these are on the Premier League website or your club’s official channels.

Use secure payment methods

Never agree to pay by bank transfer or digital currency. Always pay through official ticketing platforms where your payment is protected.

What the experts say

Liz Ziegler, fraud prevention director at Lloyds, said:

“With demand for tickets outstripping supply, fraudsters know they can trick fans into paying for tickets that simply don’t exist. The best way to avoid ticket scams is to buy directly from clubs or their official partners – and steer clear of deals that look too good to be true.”

Lord Hanson, minister for fraud at the UK Home Office, added:

“Fraud is a ruthless crime that preys on our passions, our trust, and our excitement. We urge all football supporters hunting for tickets to Stop! Think Fraud.”

Will ticketing become safer?

From the 2026-27 season, the Premier League will require at least 70% of match tickets to be digital, which should make it harder for scammers and touts to resell fake tickets.

In the meantime, clubs continue to crack down on unofficial sales, with some naming and banning fans found to be reselling tickets illegally.