Ticket scams: how to spot scams and buy concert tickets safely as gig fraud increases 529% in a year

Music fans are being warned to remain vigilant following a massive increase in concert ticket scams over the last year.

Reports of people being scammed while trying to get buy tickets has surged by 529%, Lloyds bank has said. Criminals have targeted fans of major artists such as Harry Styles and Lewis Capaldi in particular.

The live music industry was particularly badly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic but following the lifting of restrictions there has been a soaring demand to attend concerts. But ahead of the summer festival season, gig-goers have been warned to be on their guard.

According to Lloyds’ data, reports of people being scammed when buying concert tickets have surged by 529% over the past year, with victims losing £110 on average. The number of scams reported by those trying to buy music festival tickets has also more than doubled, increasing by 128% over the past year compared with the previous 12 months.

The bank compared purchase scams reported by Lloyds Banking Group customers between March 2022 to February 2023, with reports made over the 12 months from March 2021 to February 2022, to make the findings. Fans of major artists and festivals are often likely to be targeted, the bank warned.

Scammers more likely to target fans of major artists

Lloyds said that, based on ticket scams reported to its banking group, scammers have been pretending to offer tickets to see popular acts and performers such as Harry Styles, Lewis Capaldi, Coldplay and Calvin Harris, as well as to various festivals. Scams can happen when someone is tricked into sending money via bank transfer, also known as a faster payment, to buy goods or services that do not exist.

How to spot a ticket scam

Ticket scams usually involve fake websites, social media posts or emails offering tickets at discounted prices, or access to events that have already sold out. Victims are asked to pay upfront for the tickets, but once the payment is made, the scammers disappear.

This leaves the buyer without the tickets and out of pocket. When tickets for an event are scarce, fraudsters know they can cash in on desperate fans willing to pay much more, Lloyds said.

Liz Ziegler, the bank’s fraud prevention director, said: “Fraudsters are always changing their tactics to trick victims out of their hard-earned cash. With demand to attend live events soaring as the warmer weather approaches, they’ll waste no time in targeting music fans as they rush to pick up tickets for the most popular gigs and festivals.

“It’s easy to let our emotions get the better of us when we find out our favourite artist is going to be performing live, but it’s important not to let that excitement cloud our judgement when trying to get hold of tickets. Buying directly from reputable, authorised platforms is the only way to guarantee you’re paying for a real ticket.

“Even then, always pay by debit or credit card for the greatest protection. If you’re being asked to pay by bank transfer, particularly from a seller you’ve found on social media, that should immediately set alarm bells ringing.”