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Ticket fraudsters operating using social media

Be aware that fraudsters are actively using social media to source pictures of event tickets that people have posted onto their accounts.

Music event

People who take pictures of their tickets before they actually attend an event and post them on social media website are actively being sought by fraudsters. Fraudsters are then using these pictures to make counterfeit copies.

Fans may not be aware of how much information there actually is on a ticket, including their name and the bar code used to gain entry to the venue.

Fraudsters copy the bar code from the tickets and make dozens of counterfeit copies which are then sold to other victims through so called “safe” ticket resale platforms. If you buy one of these tickets you will be refused entry into a venue.

To prevent this from happening it’s essential that fans do not post pictures of tickets before events anywhere on the internet.

Protect yourself against ticket fraud:

  • Always check with the event organiser for official ticket outlet details.
  • Pay for tickets by credit card – the card issuer is jointly liable for a failure for goods or services to be provided as long as the price of a single ticket is over than £100.
  • Only make purchase from sites encrypted for payment. Look for the closed padlock and the web address in the browser should begin “https”.
  • If you are unsure about a website, contact the event organiser or venue and ask if the website is an official seller of tickets for the event you wish to purchase tickets for.
  • Be on the Lookout for telephone numbers starting 070 or 004470. These can be set-up on the Internet and answered anywhere in the world.
  • Always check the seller’s privacy policy and returns policy.

If you think you have been a victim of ticket fraud, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use our online fraud reporting tool and receive a police crime reference number.

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