Football fans across the UK are being urged to exercise caution following a significant rise in Premier League ticket scams. Lloyds Bank has reported a sharp increase in ticketing fraud, with thousands of fans duped into paying for non-existent tickets during the last season.
According to Lloyds Bank, football ticket fraud has surged by around 33% compared to the previous season, with an estimated 6,000 UK football fans falling victim. The bank, which holds about 20% of UK current accounts, estimates that at least 1,200 of its customers were scammed, losing an average of £177 each, and in some cases over £1,000.
The majority of these scams targeted supporters of top teams like Arsenal and Liverpool, with 56% of the fraudulent activities originating on Facebook Marketplace and another 26% on X (formerly Twitter). Criminals often use fake posts featuring real ticket images to deceive buyers into making bank transfers for tickets that do not exist.
Liz Ziegler, Fraud Prevention Director at Lloyds Bank, emphasized the emotional impact of these scams: “Missing out on the big match after falling victim to a ticket scam can be devastating.” She advises fans to only use official ticketing channels and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
UK Finance has echoed this warning, stressing the importance of vigilance when purchasing tickets. They recommend that fans refuse high-pressure sales tactics and use credit cards for added protection on purchases between £100 and £30,000.
The Premier League has reinforced that fans should buy directly from clubs or authorized ticket partners to avoid falling prey to scams. A spokesperson for the banking industry body highlighted the need for greater action from tech and social media companies to tackle online fraud and contribute to victim reimbursement.
In addition to football scams, Lloyds Bank earlier this year estimated that Taylor Swift fans lost over £1 million to ticket fraudsters ahead of her UK tour. With nearly £86 million lost to “purchase scams” last year, the industry is calling on social media platforms like Facebook and X to do more to prevent fraudulent activities.
As the new football season kicks off, fans are reminded to stay alert and protect themselves from potential scams.
