As the UK prepares for the August bank holiday, we are using this opportunity to raise awareness of ticket scams.
This weekend thousands will be flocking to Reading, Leeds and Creamfields festivals, as well as attending football fixtures as the season kicks off.
Criminals use major sports fixtures, concerts and festivals to advertise fake tickets or tickets that don’t exist.
In June it was reported that 87% of ticket scam losses over the past five years are linked to music events, holidays and football fixtures.
Scammers often use social media, messaging apps and websites to create convincing scams that target people looking to secure those high-demand or sold-out tickets.
The safest way to buy tickets is to use official sellers, recognised resale platforms and using secure payment methods. If a seller asks for a bank transfer, contacts you through social media, offers a deal that seems too good to be true, or asks you to meet outside the venue, stop and check before paying.
Our Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) are helping to raise awareness of these ticket scams, sharing the Take Five messageacross their social channels: Take Five before you buy and remember to Stop, Challenge and Protect.
Just three steps - Take Five to Stop Fraud: Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police. They spend hours researching you for their scams, hoping you’ll let your guard down for just a moment.
STOP: Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information. It could keep you safe.
CHALLENGE: Ask yourself, could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve been scammed and tell the police at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040.
