Ticket scams and how to avoid them
Reading time 5 minutes
At a glance:
Ticket scams trick people into buying fake or non‑existent tickets to big events, like festivals, gigs or sports matches.
Scams are often promoted through social media and online marketplaces.
Scammers may take payment and never provide real tickets, or use fake ticket websites to steal card details.
How does a ticket scam work?
Ticket scams are a type of fraud. Victims think they are buying a genuine ticket for a high-profile event, but the ticket turns out to be fake or does not exist.
The scam starts online. Scammers pose as genuine sellers, advertising tickets on:
Social media
Online marketplaces
Search engine adverts
Messaging apps
Emails
The tickets may be advertised by a person, a fake company, or an imitation of a real ticket company.
For events with high demand, like festivals or a star’s new tour, marketplaces can be full of fake sellers.
Ticket scammers prey on the fear of missing out
To create a sense of urgency, adverts often warn that:
Tickets will sell out quickly
The price is set to rise
Tickets are only available for a short time.
Sometimes the price may be low and seem too good to miss. The scammer’s goal is to tempt someone to buy the tickets quickly, without checking if the offer is genuine.
Types of ticket scam
Fake tickets
Tickets are sold that look genuine but are not valid. The tickets might be sent as PDFs, screenshots, or mobile tickets that seem real.
Victims only discover the problem when they arrive at the event and are refused entry.
Tickets that do not exist
Ticket scams can involve tickets that don’t even exist. Once payment is made, the seller may delay sending the tickets or stop responding altogether.
The seller may also say they will meet you at the event to give you the tickets, but fail to turn up.
Fake ticket websites
Scammers can quickly create websites that imitate real ticket sellers. These sites may appear in search results or adverts and look genuine.
When payment details are entered, your card information is stolen and used for fraud.
Online ticket theft
Even if you manage to secure a genuine event ticket, you could still fall victim to fraud. Posting a proud photo of your ticket on social media could allow scammers to steal the details and sell to someone else.
Fewer events now issue physical tickets, but this can still happen with digital ones. Always keep your ticket details to yourself.
How to spot a ticket scam
Our Financial Crime Awareness Specialist, Hannah Bingle, explains how you can spot ticket fraud:
“Ticket scams often work because they tap into excitement and fear of missing out, especially when events sell out quickly. Criminals may pose as genuine fans or sellers and increasingly use AI to create realistic messages, profiles or even conversations that make the offer seem trustworthy.
This pressure can lead people to act quickly without checking the details. Pausing before you pay, double-checking the seller and sticking to official or well-known ticket platforms can help protect you from losing money and missing out on the event.”
Report fraud and scams to YBS
Please contact us immediately by phone or visit your local branch if you are concerned:
You may have fallen victim to a scam
You may have disclosed any confidential information to an unknown third party
You believe a transaction on your account is fraudulent
You have become a victim of identity theft
You have any concerns about security.
The content on this page is for reference. It is not financial advice. For help with money issues, try MoneyHelper.
