Ticket Scams Costing Sports Fans Hundreds of Thousands

December 23, 2024

Scammers targeting eager fans as ticket scams proving to be a growing issue in 2024

According to recent from Santander, nearly a quarter of a million pounds (£243,000) was lost to sports ticket scams between January and September this year, highlighting the increasing threat posed to consumers.

The Target: Young Sports Fans

The most vulnerable demographic appears to be young men aged 19-34. This group accounted for 41% of all victims, with a total of £80,491 lost to scammers—around a third of the total stolen. The average loss per scam has also seen a sharp increase, rising from £225 in 2023 to £352 this year.

Football Scams Dominate, but Other Sports See High Losses Per Victim

Football-related scams make up the largest share of fraud cases, with losses totalling over £127,000 in 2024 alone. This is no surprise, given the immense passion fans have for the sport. However, ticket scams in other sports like motorsports and golf are also hitting consumers hard. In particular, motorsports ticket scams resulted in an average loss of £3,851 per victim, while golf fans lost an average of £860.

How Ticket Scams Work

Ticket scams generally occur when fraudsters offer fake tickets for popular events, often through social media platforms or fraudulent websites. The scammer may advertise tickets that either don’t exist or are counterfeit. As fans seek to secure tickets for high-demand events, they may overlook the red flags and become victims.

How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of  Ticket Scams

Santander’s research also offers some vital advice for sports fans looking to avoid ticket fraud:

  • Stick to official sellers: Always buy tickets from trusted and verified sources. Official sellers are the safest option.
  • Don’t rush decisions: If tickets are sold out, don’t let desperation lead you to purchase from unofficial or sketchy sources.
  • Use secure payment methods: Avoid paying via bank transfer or PayPal friends and family. Instead, choose secure payment options like debit or credit cards.
  • Check website security: When purchasing tickets online, make sure the website is secure. Look for the padlock symbol and ensure the URL begins with ‘https’.
  • If it seems too good to be true: Trust your instincts. If a deal feels suspiciously good, it likely is.

  

Looking Ahead to 2025: Protecting Sports Fans from Fraud

As we approach the end of 2024, it’s clear that ticket scams are becoming a significant issue for sports fans. While scammers continue to exploit the excitement surrounding major events, staying informed and cautious can prevent future losses. By following simple steps and using secure payment methods, fans can enjoy the thrill of the game without the worry of falling victim to fraud.

Compensation Adviser is a claims management company specialising in financial compensation claims such as APP Fraud and Purchase scams.