Ticket scams
There are lots of scam sellers and fake ticket sites online.
Our guide can help you to dodge the scams and keep your money safe.
Before you jump at the chance to buy cheap tickets online for a gig or a show, make sure it’s not a scam.
Genuine ticket sites have safe ways to pay, such as by debit or credit card. Only pay on a site where the tickets are for sale.
If a site or seller wants you to pay another way, such as direct to a bank account or by wire transfer, it’s a sign of a scam. This is like handing over cash and is hard to trace. If you pay and things go wrong, you may not get your money back.
Tips to avoid ticket scams
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Buy from a well-known ticket company or site that is registered with STAR. This is the safest way to get tickets.
Fraudsters tend to use social media or trading websites to sell phoney tickets.
Before you buy, check a site's terms and conditions. Make sure you know how they can help if things go wrong.
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Fraudsters can use low prices and hard to find tickets to tempt you into buying. If a price is a lot lower or tickets are sold out everywhere else, it could be a scam.
Make sure a deal is genuine before you pay.
Ask lots of questions and look at reviews. Lots of good reviews from different buyers are better than mixed, bad or no reviews at all.
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You can get straight forward, impartial advice on how to avoid scams from Take Five.
You can report a crime or get general advice from Action Fraud. They help banks and other companies combat fraud.
They offer advice on how to keep yourself and your devices safe from fraud.
UK Finance is there to support customers and to help make sure it's safe to bank.
Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA)
The PRA is part of the Bank of England. Their role is to make sure banks act safely and reduce the chance of them losing money.
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
The FCA is there to make sure banks work well so customers are protected and get a fair deal.
CIFAS can help to protect your identity. They can stop fraudsters from using your details to apply for things in your name.
This is a government site that gives advice on how to stay safe online.
This is part of the FCA site. You can use it to check on an investment or pension deals to help you avoid scams.
Bank of Scotland does not control the content of any of the websites linked to on this page.
Buyer Beware
- Read all the details - Before you buy, read all the details about an item. Does it match what it says in the title and picture?
- Be careful of free trials - If you agree to a free trial, check to make sure that you don't have to pay for it later on. Look for the terms that may be hidden in the small print.
- Check the small print - Terms and conditions can be found in the small print. They should tell you about any hidden costs, as well as delivery and returns info.
- Know where you're buying from - Check the location of a seller, especially if they're not well-known. It's easier to complain and get your money back from sellers that are based in the UK.
- Search for FAQs - Some online shops have a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page. This can help you quickly find key info.
- Keep track of what you buy - Check your bank account often to make sure you know what all your payments are for.
Bank of Scotland plc. Registered in Scotland No. SC327000. Registered Office: The Mound, Edinburgh EH1 1YZ. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under registration number 169628.