How to avoid concert ticket scams this summer

Summer has arrived and many of the world’s biggest pop and rock acts are on the road.

From Stevie Wonder and Oasis to Sabrina Carpenter and Billie Eilish, there’s something for everyone over the next few weeks and months.

And nobody understands that better than scammers.

Tickets for big shows often sell out quickly, so if you miss out when they go on sale, you might be tempted to look online for anyone selling spares.

But if you seem to strike gold and find someone selling a ticket for a gig you want to attend, take a step back, as it could be a scam.

You don’t know the person who’s asking for your money or even if they have a genuine ticket.

And if you’re only too willing to hand over huge sums of money, even in those circumstances, you’re a prime target for a scammer.

3 ways to protect yourself from ticket fraud

The government’s Stop! Think Fraud campaign suggests three ways for music lovers to stay safe.

Don’t rush your decision

The excitement that comes when your favourite artist announces new tour dates can be overwhelming.

But after a gig sells out, scammers are counting on your desperation to be there regardless of what it costs.

So if you see someone advertising a ticket on social media, keep a lid on your emotions and be vigilant. 

“Take a moment to stop, think and check if the offer is genuine,” the Home Office says.

Only buy tickets from trusted retailers 

You can’t guarantee you’re getting an actual ticket if you give money to a scammer.

So make sure you’re only buying from legitimate outlets, such as an official ticketing website or the venue box office.

Use trusted payment methods

Always stick to the official payment methods offered by the site. 

Avoid sending money through bank transfers or virtual currencies, as these can leave you unprotected.

Stick to legitimate resale sites if a gig has sold out

If a gig does sell out, remember that all is not lost, as tickets often become available closer to the time through legitimate resale sites, such as Twickets. 

Twickets itself has warned that scammers are becoming “increasingly sophisticated”, with some imitating trusted resale platforms or creating convincing social media profiles.

As a result, Twickets founder Richard Davies believes it’s “vital” that fans “stop and think” before making a purchase.

“If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is,” he commented.

“Always check that the platform is an official resale partner, never buy tickets from unofficial sellers on social media or marketplaces and avoid anyone asking for payment via personal bank transfer.”

£1.6m lost to ticket fraud last year 

According to Action Fraud data published by the Home Office, the public lost more than £1.6m in concert ticket scams in 2024.

That’s more than twice the figure recorded in the previous year.

This increase may have been fuelled partly by Taylor Swift’s UK tour last summer.

According to Lloyds Bank, Taylor Swift fans were scammed out of an estimated £1m ahead of the UK leg of her landmark Eras tour, with victims losing an average of £332 each. 

Figures from Action Fraud also show that more than a quarter of concert ticket fraud victims (27%) were in their 20s, making them the age group most likely to fall victim to this crime.

Around 3,700 gig ticket fraud reports were made to Action Fraud in 2024 - and almost half of them concerned offers made on social media. 

The government has now called on technology companies to “go further and faster” to protect people from scams being promoted on their platforms.

Ministers are also planning to place a new cap on the price of resold tickets for concerts, live sport and other events.

Stay alert

“Today’s data shows that anyone can be a victim,” said fraud minister Lord Hanson.

“No matter how real a deal looks, we all need to take a moment to think: am I being ripped off? 

“So let’s all stay cautious, stay alert and stay protected from fraud. 

“Don’t let the scammers ruin your summer.”