Scene
Fresh research into ticket fraud has revealed a worrying gap in consumer awareness, with more than half of UK music fans unable to confidently identify fake tickets sold online. The findings highlight how social media and peer-to-peer marketplaces have become fertile ground for scammers, particularly as demand for live events continues to surge.
An independent survey conducted by internet safety organisation Get Safe Online , which included about 2,000 UK fans, found that 55 % of respondents said they couldn’t confidently tell whether a ticket listing on social media was genuine — a major vulnerability given how common fake ticket offers are online.
The research found that more than a quarter of respondents — approximately 26 per cent — had purchased tickets via social media that later turned out to be fake. On average, victims reported losing around £258 each. In major cities such as London, the scale of the issue appears even more pronounced, with a significant number of respondents reporting they had been scammed within the past year.
Despite widespread concern about fraud, the study suggests that risky behaviour persists. While most respondents said they would prefer to buy from platforms offering consumer protections such as refunds or guarantees, nearly half admitted they would still consider purchasing tickets from social media sellers if the price appeared attractive enough. This tension between caution and urgency — particularly when events sell out quickly — creates ideal conditions for fraudsters.
Social Media – Hotspot for Fraudsters
Experts warn that scammers are exploiting the speed and informality of social media platforms. Fraudsters often create convincing profiles, complete with profile pictures, friend lists, and posting histories, to build trust. They may share screenshots of tickets, order confirmations or QR codes that look legitimate but are easily fabricated or duplicated.
Because tickets are increasingly digital, buyers cannot physically inspect them before payment. Once money is transferred — especially via bank transfer or peer-to-peer payment apps — it is often difficult or impossible to recover. Scammers commonly pressure buyers to act quickly, claiming high demand or limited availability, further reducing the chance that victims will pause to verify details.
Lack of Awareness of Safety Tools
The findings also revealed that nearly one third of respondents were unaware of any tools or guidance available to help them check whether a ticket seller or website is legitimate. This gap in knowledge is significant, given the range of preventative advice available through online safety organisations such as Get Safe Online.
Through its Safe Ticket Buyer guidance, Get Safe Online advises consumers to purchase tickets only from official vendors, authorised resale platforms, or directly from event organisers. The organisation stresses the importance of typing website addresses manually rather than clicking on links in social media posts or messages, and recommends paying by credit card where possible, as this may offer additional consumer protection.
The guidance also warns against paying via direct bank transfer, cryptocurrency, or “friends and family” payment options, as these methods offer little to no recourse if the transaction turns out to be fraudulent.
Policy and Market Pressures
The research comes amid ongoing debate around ticket resale regulations. Some industry commentators have suggested that stricter resale caps, while intended to protect consumers from inflated prices, could unintentionally drive more buyers toward unregulated peer-to-peer platforms where scams are more prevalent. If legitimate resale avenues are limited, desperate fans may be more inclined to take risks elsewhere.
This dynamic highlights a broader challenge: tackling ticket fraud requires not only consumer awareness but also a marketplace that balances affordability, transparency and access to safe resale options.
Protecting Yourself Against Ticket Scams
Experts recommend several practical steps to reduce risk. Buyers should always begin with the official event website or venue and verify that any resale platform is authorised. They should be wary of sellers who refuse secure payment methods or who insist on urgency. Checking online reviews, confirming contact details, and being sceptical of deals that appear “too good to be true” can also help prevent loss.
Ultimately, the latest research underscores a clear message: ticket scams remain widespread, and many consumers still struggle to detect them. As live events continue to draw enthusiastic crowds, awareness and careful purchasing decisions will be critical to ensuring that fans are not left out of pocket — or locked out of the venue — when the lights go down and the show begins.
