Action Fraud has launched a campaign to partner with the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) to urge people to avoid fraud by taking more care when buying tickets for live events. See here for more about the ticket fraud warning campaign.

Publicising the campaign, which is designed to encourage informed purchases from authorised sellers, Action Fraud says that:

• Between 1 April 2018 and 30 April 2019, Action Fraud received 4,755 reports of ticket fraud.
• The total reported losses to victims was £1,654,888: an average of £365 per victim.
• With lots of music concerts and sporting events taking place in summer, it is an opportunity for fraudsters to take advantage of unsuspecting fans.

Fraudsters will pose as a website or agent for a music concert or festival, a sporting contest, or a live comedian or performer, meaning victims will purchase tickets that either don’t arrive or turn out to be fake. So, consumers should always check the contact details of the site they’re buying the tickets from.

Pauline Smith, Director of Action Fraud, said: “Fraudsters take advantage when music and sports fans are keen to get tickets for high profile events. This is why it’s so important that people are vigilant and aware that there are fraudsters all over the globe trying to make money out of innocent victims.

 “To avoid disappointment, always buy tickets from an official event organiser or website and if you are tempted to buy from a secondary ticket source, always research the company or the person online before making the purchase.

“If you think you have been a victim of ticket fraud, report it to Action Fraud.”