Brits face £100million in ticket scams this summer if resale price caps hit
Experts have warned that the UK Government's proposal to cap resale prices could end up playing straight into the hands of scammers as fans turn to risky ways to get tickets
Experts have warned that Brits could be conned out of £100million in ticket scams this summer alone, if price caps are introduced on ticket resales. Data from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, Action Fraud and the National Crime Agency revealed that ticket fraud across England and Wales cost a staggering £70 million in 2024.
This year, the figure could skyrocket to £280 million, as anticipation builds around Glastonbury, Wimbledon, and the eagerly awaited Oasis tour. More than a third of scams, amounting to £100 million, are expected to occur in the next few months if price caps plans are imposed.
The data comes from Bradshaw Advisory and independent research by anti-fraud organisation We Fight Fraud. They suggest that scams could quadruple if price caps are introduced.
They warn that the UK Government's proposal to cap resale prices could inadvertently aid scammers, making it easier for fraud to thrive as desperate fans resort to riskier methods to secure tickets.
Dave Eborne, head of fraud operations at Revolut, commented: "We know that highly anticipated events, like concerts and sports matches, can become a target for unscrupulous criminals preying on enthusiastic fans.
"Especially with sought-after tickets, fraudsters leverage both the fear of missing out on a unique opportunity and a sense of urgency due to scarcity and high demand."
He added: "The idea that a potential ticket could disappear quickly encourages people to act fast without thinking – but it's vital that consumers look for tell-tale warning signs before handing over their hard-earned cash.
"As We Fight Fraud's research shows, banning or capping resale doesn't stop these scams; it simply provides another platform for them to thrive, costing fans and the wider economy through increased fraud."
Research indicates that Ireland and Victoria, Australia - two regions that have introduced price caps - have seen a significant surge in reports of ticket fraud.
The Bradshaw Advisory highlighted that in Ireland, where price caps are in place, 13.6% of fans reported being scammed - a figure more than triple the UK's rate of 3.8%.
There could also be broader implications. Since October 2024, UK banks have been obligated to reimburse victims of Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud, which includes most ticket scams.
Dr Nicola Harding, from We Fight Fraud, said: "Price caps don't stop fraud - they multiply it and we could see live event fans defrauded to the tune of £100 million this summer.
"Smart, transparent regulation of the resale market, and robust consumer education on the warning signs of ticket scams, are the only real solutions to protect fans."
TOP TIPS TO AVOID AND SPOT A TICKET SCAM
Purchase tickets only through a legitimate and regulated platform. If you are unsure of a website's legitimacy, you can check it by using Get Safe Online's Check a Website tool.
Cover yourself:
Ensure platforms offer fan protection with a guarantee should anything go wrong.
Resist the hard sell and social media:
Getting in-demand tickets can feel like a race against time but don't let individual sellers pressure you into a quick purchase. Avoid buying tickets on social media where many sellers are unverified, increasing the risk of scams or counterfeit tickets.
Verify the venue and date:
If the event is taking place at a venue unknown to you, then confirm its existence through online maps and look for independent reviews. Once you have done so, search the original live event announcement or schedule on the artist or team's website to make sure dates and location align.
Price check reality:
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid suspiciously cheap tickets.
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