World Cup fever is rising and so are football ticket scams

As excitement builds ahead of the World Cup next month, fraud experts are warning fans to stay alert for ticket scams.

The government has joined forces with Lloyds Bank to urge supporters to stay on guard through the Stop! Think Fraud campaign. It’s designed to give you, and small businesses, the tools and knowledge needed to protect yourselves from fraud.

Football ticket scams are surging

New research from Lloyds shows football ticket scams are becoming more and more common:

• football ticket scams increased by 36% over the past six months compared with the same period last year
• supporters searching for tickets to high-demand matches, including the FA Cup final and Champions League final, are being targeted the most
• victims lost an average of £215, although many lost far more
• total losses linked to football ticket scams rose by 42% year-on-year
• some fans handed over hundreds or even thousands of pounds for fake ‘season tickets’ or VIP seats that never existed
• almost a third (32%) of all ticket scams are now football-related, with fraudsters expected to exploit international demand around the biggest matches of the year

The research also found scammers often target supporters of major clubs, such as Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal.

How football ticket scams work

Most football ticket scams begin on social media.

A scammer will typically claim they have a spare ticket available. You may then be encouraged to continue the conversation on WhatsApp, where pressure is applied to make a quick bank transfer.

Once the money is sent, the scammer disappears, and you’re left without a ticket.

Scammers frequently use images of genuine tickets to make fake listings appear legitimate. Victims are then persuaded to pay by bank transfer, a payment method that offers very limited protection if something goes wrong.

How you can protect yourself

Be careful on social media

If you see tickets advertised on social media, be wary. Fake tickets and forged passes are common, which could leave you out of pocket and refused entry at the stadium.

Only buy from official sellers

Always buy tickets directly from football clubs, official ticket offices or authorised resale partners. Your club’s official website will list approved sellers and legitimate resale options.

Watch out for prices that look wrong

If a ticket price seems too cheap, it could be a scam. But be careful of overpriced tickets too, fraudsters often exploit desperate fans willing to pay more for sold-out matches.

Don’t rush

Scammers rely on panic and urgency. If someone tells you there’s ‘only one ticket left’ or pressures you to pay immediately, stop and think before sending money.

Use secure payment methods

Never pay by bank transfer or digital currency when buying tickets from someone you do not know. Stick to official ticketing platforms where your payment is protected.

How to report fraud

If you believe you may have been a victim of fraud, report it to Report Fraud at www.reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.