POLICE have issued a warning about ticket scammers ahead of a packed summer of South Yorkshire music events - from Def Leppard and the Arctic Monkey’s homecoming concerts, to the annual return of Tramlines Festival.
Ahead of the summer events season kicking off, police are encouraging people to be wary of scammers while searching for the best deals on tickets for this year’s biggest events.
The advice comes as Action Fraud launches a campaign to clampdown on bogus ticket sales.
Data issued by the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime revealed more than £6.7million had been lost nationally to ticket fraud in 2022 alone, with 7,088 people reporting being a victim of ticket fraud across the country.
Across South Yorkshire, there were 103 reports made last year, with July and August being the worst-impacted months.
While officers take reports of ticket fraud very seriously and investigate all incidents, they are asking people to make sure they are buying from genuine sources and challenging anything which seems too good to be true when making purchases.
Fraud Protect Officer Andy Foster explained: “We’re really lucky that we have some big music events taking place in South Yorkshire this summer, and while many of you will be out there trying to grab a last minute ticket, we know that unfortunately scammers are also out there looking for opportunities to exploit those who don’t want to miss out.
“Our advice is simple, only buy tickets from trusted sources you know and have used previously. It’s common for scammers to use social media to advertise cut price tickets and discounts for sold-out events, but remember, if the deal seems too good to be true, then it usually is.
“Always think - is this person from a reputable company or organisation? Please do not send any money to a complete stranger based on their word, it could be a scam.”
Andy added: “If you do fall victim to a scam like this, then please do not be embarrassed or ashamed as scammers can be very convincing and are experts at getting people to part with their cash and pretending to be someone else.
“It’s really important that you report it to Action Fraud using their website or by calling 0300 123 2040. Together with Action Fraud, we are committed to tackling fraud, and without reports from the public we are unable to build up a full picture of how these scammers are operating.”
