Lloyds Bank is warning that it has seen a surge in ticket scam reports, ahead of the new football season.
Reported cases of football ticket scams increased by more than two-thirds (68%) between January and June this year, compared with July to December 2021, with victims losing £410 on average, the bank said.
The figures were based on analysis of purchase scams reported by Lloyds Banking Group customers.
Fraudsters have been quick to exploit people’s desire to attend live events following the easing of coronavirus restrictions, Lloyds said, adding that it has seen an increase in purchase scams targeting tickets for concerts as well as sporting events.
Top-level football in particular has been a hunting ground for criminals, as they take advantage of fans’ desperation to watch their team, knowing that many matches will be sold out, the bank said.
When it comes to buying tickets for a match, it’s important not to get carried away in the excitement
It said such purchase scams happen when people are tricked into transferring money from their bank account to fraudsters advertising online.
Once the money has been paid, the scammer disappears, and the victim receives nothing.
The bank said it is important to remember that fraudsters will target any major event where demand for tickets is likely to exceed supply.
Liz Ziegler, retail fraud and financial crime director, Lloyds Bank, said: “It’s easy to let our emotions get the better of us when following our favourite team. But,…
