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Beware of ticketing scams: Top red flags as 1 in 5 Brits fall victim

A poll found 20% of adults have fallen victim to a ticketing scam, with the average victim losing out on 186 - and a further 28% having a 'near miss'

[How scam savvy are you? Take the quiz to find out.]

How scam savvy are you? Take the quiz to find out.(Image: Getty)

Recent research involving 2,000 UK adults revealed that one in five have been duped by ticket scams. The survey discovered that those who fell prey to such schemes lost an average of 186 each.

Additionally, 28% narrowly escaped being scammed, leaving them feeling disappointed, frustrated and angry. Interestingly, 27% chose not to disclose their close call or actual experience with online ticketing fraud.

In response to the growing issue of ticket fraud, an expert from The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailer (STAR), which includes Ticketmaster as members, has highlighted key warning signs to help prevent you from falling victim.

Jonathan Brown, chief executive of STAR, advised: "Fraudsters are getting smarter, but there are ways to stay safe." He recommended sticking to secure, verified sellers to ensure your ticket is legitimate and doesn't lead to disappointment.

"Buying from a STAR member is one of the best ways to protect yourself and you'll have access to our Alternative Dispute Resolution service if anything goes wrong." he added.

A spokesperson from Ticketmaster also chimed in, warning: "Our top piece of advice when purchasing tickets is to avoid buying from social media at all costs - you never know who is on the other side of the screen."

They further cautioned that as demand for concerts, sports events and festivals increases, fraudsters often exploit this urgency, enticing people with deals that are simply too good to be true.

"Everyone deserves to enjoy their favourite events without worrying about being scammed. By staying vigilant, doing a quick bit of research and resisting the pressure to act fast, you can help protect yourself and others from falling victim to ticket fraud."

The study also revealed that 72% of those who narrowly avoided a scam noticed something suspicious about the transaction and withdrew. However, 43% were saved by their banking app prompting them to verify further details, causing them to reconsider.

According to the figures from OnePoll.com, fraudsters are most likely to target music concerts, followed by sporting events and festivals. Alarmingly, 24% have even observed scam-like activities when attempting to purchase tickets for family or children's events.

Concerningly, only 60% of respondents would be confident in identifying an online ticketing scam. Furthermore, of those who have previously purchased tickets from an unofficial source, nearly half (44%) were fully aware it wasn't entirely safe.

A spokesperson for Ticketmaster added: "Some scammers even try to sell you tickets before the event is on sale, remember that this will always be a fake unless it's an official presale.

"Another tactic is sending fans a link to a replica of an official ticketing website so go directly to the page rather than following links."

Superintendent Amanda Wolf, head of the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau at the City of London Police warned: "This summer we're seeing all the biggest ticketed concerts and events happen, like the Oasis reunion tour, but those scrambling to buy last minute tickets have become prime targets for fraudsters.

"Remember to take a moment and Stop! Think Fraud before buying tickets through social media. "Look out for unsolicited or unexpected messages selling sold-out tickets as it could be a fraudster. Stay safe and follow Action Fraud's advice to protect yourself from fraud."

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