Fans warned to beware of ticket scams
People desperate to attend major pop concerts, music festivals and sporting events this summer face a greater risk of falling victim to fraud, a council has said.
The warning has been issued by Powys County Council's Trading Standards service after figures revealed that online ticket fraud soared by 55 per cent in 2015.
More than £5 million was lost to online ticket fraud in the UK last year, up from £3.35m in 2014, with social media sites now accounting for nearly half of all reported ticket scams.
On average, customers who bought fake tickets lost £444 per transaction.
The Trading Standards service is urging music and sports fans to be wary of buying fake or non-existent tickets and wants social media sites to do more to crack down on online ticket fraud.
Councillor John Powell, cabinet member for Trading Standards, said: "With Euro 2016 starting next month, big-name concerts on the horizon and Glastonbury Festival already sold out, this summer is ripe for criminals to exploit desperate fans willing to do anything to get a ticket to see England play or see their favourite band.
"Fans are often prepared to pay vastly inflated prices for tickets and might be tempted to resort to unofficial websites. But they risk losing a lot of money if they turn out to be fake or don't exist.
"Social media sites now account for nearly half of all ticket scams and they need to do more to help prevent people being conned paying for tickets on their sites.
"People should be very wary of ticket offers for sold-out events as these situations are exploited by criminals. Similarly, if the price seems too good to be true, it's likely to be a scam.
"Fans should only buy tickets from official sites and when buying resold tickets ensure that they are buying from vendors who have been approved by the event organiser."
Clive Jones, the council's professional lead for Trading Standards, said: "Only those fans with official tickets will be guaranteed admission to concerts, festivals and sports events this summer.
"For fans considering snapping up any last-minute tickets, be sure to read our online ticket checklist. "
If you are concerned an offer may be fraudulent tell the Citizens Advice consumer helpline by calling 03454 04 05 06.
