During our weekly meetings with the banking industry and Police Scotland, we continue to see a significant increase in ticket scams over the last three months, primarily due to the recent announcement of Oasis’s high-profile tour across the country. Fraudsters are taking advantage of social media, with most individuals becoming victims of these scams in social media marketplaces. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding these scams, the tactics used by fraudsters, and how you can protect yourself.
Background on Ticket Scams
Ticket scams have become increasingly sophisticated, targeting eager fans looking to secure seats for popular events where demand is so high, that getting tickets on the day of sale is difficult. Scammers know this and exploit the high demand versus limited availability of tickets, creating fake websites, social media posts, and phishing emails to deceive buyers. Indeed, some take over Facebook accounts of real people in order to use their good profile to sell tickets fraudulently, leaving you out of pocket.
Tactics Used by Scammers
- Fake Websites: Fraudsters create websites that closely mimic official ticket sellers. These sites often appear legitimate, complete with logos and branding that resemble the real thing.
- Social Media Scams: Scammers use platforms like Facebook to advertise fake tickets. They may pose as fans who can no longer attend the event, offering tickets at attractive prices.
- Phishing Emails: Emails claiming to offer exclusive deals or early access to tickets can trick recipients into providing personal information or payment details.
- Counterfeit Tickets: Some scammers sell physical tickets that look genuine but are actually counterfeit. These tickets can be difficult to distinguish from the real ones.
How to Prevent Becoming a Victim
- Purchase from Official Sources: Always buy tickets from the event’s official website or authorised sellers.
- Be Skeptical of Too-Good-to-Be-True Deals: If the price is significantly lower than the official price, it’s likely a scam.
- Check Seller Reviews and Ratings: Look up the seller’s reviews and ratings. Be cautious if there are many negative reviews or if the seller is new.
- Use Secure Payment Methods: Avoid paying by bank transfer or other non-secure methods. Use credit cards or payment services that offer fraud protection.
- Verify Website Security: Ensure the website URL starts with “https://” and look for a padlock symbol in the address bar, indicating a secure connection.
- Be Cautious on Social Media: If buying tickets through social media, verify the seller’s profile and history. Avoid deals that require immediate payment or seem rushed. Even if it is a friend, double check with them that this is a genuine sale as people have had their accounts taken over by the fraudsters to sell tickets.
What to Do If You’ve Been a Victim
- Report the Scam: Contact Police Scotland and the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland to report the scam. Provide as much information as possible, including any correspondence with the scammer.
- Notify Your Bank: If you’ve provided payment details, inform your bank immediately. They may be able to stop the transaction or recover your money and will advise on security going forward.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorised transactions.
- Seek Support: There is support out there, so please don’t suffer alone. Reach out to organisations, such as the Cyber & Fraud Centre Scotland, so that you can talk things through and stay safe online.
By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can protect yourself from ticket scams and enjoy the Oasis reunion tour without worry.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the Which? article on avoiding ticket scams and refer to a recent alert issued by Police Scotland.
