Urgent warning issued for anyone buying last-minute Glastonbury Festival and Oasis tour tickets
Music fans are being urged to exercise extreme caution when purchasing last-minute tickets online, as new figures reveal a staggering £1.6 million was lost to concert ticket fraud last year.
The warning comes as eagerly anticipated events, including Glastonbury and potential Oasis reunion tours, drive a surge in demand, leaving fans vulnerable to scams.
Data released by Action Fraud, via the Home Office, shows that the £1.6 million lost in 2024 more than doubled the total recorded the previous year.
Approximately 3,700 gig ticket fraud reports were made to Action Fraud over the past year, with nearly half of these incidents stemming from offers made on social media platforms.
The figures indicate that individuals in their 20s were disproportionately affected, accounting for more than a quarter (27 per cent) of all victims of ticket fraud last year.
The government has issued this warning as part of its broader crackdown on scammers and online fraud.
Ahead of a busy summer of gigs and festivals, officials are advising the public to follow the guidance of the "Stop! Think Fraud" campaign to protect themselves from falling victim to these scams.
Fraud Minister Lord Hanson said: 'While millions of Britons are getting ready to attend concerts this summer, the scammers are getting ready to exploit the desperate search for tickets, posting fake messages on social media sites offering to resell tickets they can't use or making last-minute offers from fake ticket companies.
'That is why our campaign is called Stop! Think Fraud, so no matter how real a deal looks, we all need to take a moment to think: am I being ripped off? So, let's all stay cautious, stay alert and stay protected from fraud. Don't let the scammers ruin your summer.'
Tor Garnett, commander for cyber and economic crime at City of London Police, said: 'People go to gigs for that 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience – especially at sold-out concerts and festivals, where the atmosphere is unmatched.
'But the excitement can vanish in an instant when fans discover their tickets are fake or they've been scammed through social media or resale sites. The loss isn't just financial – it's deeply emotional, turning anticipation into heartbreak.
'Key signs of ticket fraud include unsolicited messages with ticket offers and deals, or requests for payment via bank transfer.'
Mike Andrews, national co-ordinator for the National Trading Standards e-crime team, said: 'Every summer, music fans desperate to see their favourite artists at festivals or stadium tours are left distraught and considerably out of pocket at the turnstiles as they discover the tickets they bought in good faith are in fact part of a fraudulent scam.
'Recent National Trading Standards prosecutions have led to serious jail time for ticket touts, which should send a message to all those who choose to engage in fraud that there are severe consequences.'
Founder of face-value ticket resale platform Twickets Richard Davies said: 'We've seen first-hand how fraudsters attempt to exploit high-demand tours.
'In recent weeks alone, we've had to warn fans about multiple fake Twickets accounts and websites set up to trick Oasis fans into handing over money for non-existent tickets.'
Andrew Parsons, managing director of Ticketmaster UK, said: 'The safest way to buy tickets is always through official channels – if you're unsure who that is, check the artist's official website as they'll always list legitimate sellers. A lot of fake tickets we see on the gates over summer are bought on social media.
'We hate having to turn fans away, so always avoid buying tickets from unofficial platforms or individuals, even if they seem genuine.'
Here are some tips from the campaign for buying tickets safely:
1. If you are offered tickets for something in high demand, do not let fomo (fear of missing out) rush your decision. Take a moment to stop, think, and check if the offer is genuine.
2. Only buy tickets from the venue's box office or an official ticketing website.
3. Do not move away from an official payment platform to make a direct payment via bank transfer or virtual currency. Use the website's recommended payment methods to stay protected.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
Jessie J breast cancer: singer undergoes surgery after diagnosis
Singer Jessie J says she has undergone surgery for breast cancer and is now resting at home while awaiting her a social media post, the 37-year-old star thanked her doctor, surgeon and "all the nurses who cared for me", sharing series of photos and videos of her time in described the post as the "honest lows and highs of the last 48 hours" and promised to "always show the good and hard bits of any journey I go through".The Essex singer revealed her early breast cancer diagnosis at the beginning of June and received widespread support from fellow colleagues for sharing her experience. She said at the time she would be having the surgery after her performance at Capital's Summertime Ball, a mini-festival at London's Wembley Stadium held on 15 her post on Monday night, Jessie J shared pictures of her partner Chanan Safir Colman and their son visiting her in of the videos included was a clip of her singing in a hospital bed waiting to go into video showed her post-surgery holding up a bottle of blood drained from her breasts which she joked was a "goji berry smoothie". The pop star said she was "grateful" for everyone who helped her during the treatment process and gave encouragement to others facing difficult circumstances."Still hugging everyone going through something tough right now. We all got this!" she and industry colleagues have already responded with well wishes and messages of presenter Gaby Roslin replied in the comments: "Sending you strength, energy and so much love you beautiful soul.""I know Sky will be keeping you smiling and giving you strength... You're an absolute warrior," singer Marvin Hume she revealed her diagnosis earlier this month, Jessie J said she wanted to go public with the news in order to help process it and show solidarity with others going through a similar ordeal.
The Herald Scotland
2 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Music fans urged to be wary of last-minute Glastonbury and Oasis ‘offers'
The Government has issued the warning as part of its wider crackdown on scammers and online fraud. Action Fraud data released by the Home Office show people lost more than £1.6 million in scams related to concert tickets in 2024 – more than double the total recorded the previous year. Around 3,700 gig ticket fraud reports were made to Action Fraud in 2024, with nearly half referring to offers made on social media platforms. People aged in their 20s were most likely to become victims of ticket fraud last year, accounting for more than a quarter (27%) of victims, the figures indicate. The Government is urging people to follow the Stop! Think Fraud campaign advice to ensure they are protected from scams ahead of the busy summer of gigs and festivals. Fraud Minister Lord Hanson said: 'While millions of Britons are getting ready to attend concerts this summer, the scammers are getting ready to exploit the desperate search for tickets, posting fake messages on social media sites offering to resell tickets they can't use or making last-minute offers from fake ticket companies. 'That is why our campaign is called Stop! Think Fraud, so no matter how real a deal looks, we all need to take a moment to think: am I being ripped off? So, let's all stay cautious, stay alert and stay protected from fraud. Don't let the scammers ruin your summer.' Tor Garnett, commander for cyber and economic crime at City of London Police, said: 'People go to gigs for that 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience – especially at sold-out concerts and festivals, where the atmosphere is unmatched. 'But the excitement can vanish in an instant when fans discover their tickets are fake or they've been scammed through social media or resale sites. The loss isn't just financial – it's deeply emotional, turning anticipation into heartbreak. 'Key signs of ticket fraud include unsolicited messages with ticket offers and deals, or requests for payment via bank transfer.' Mike Andrews, national co-ordinator for the National Trading Standards e-crime team, said: 'Every summer, music fans desperate to see their favourite artists at festivals or stadium tours are left distraught and considerably out of pocket at the turnstiles as they discover the tickets they bought in good faith are in fact part of a fraudulent scam. 'Recent National Trading Standards prosecutions have led to serious jail time for ticket touts, which should send a message to all those who choose to engage in fraud that there are severe consequences.' Founder of face-value ticket resale platform Twickets Richard Davies said: 'We've seen first-hand how fraudsters attempt to exploit high-demand tours. 'In recent weeks alone, we've had to warn fans about multiple fake Twickets accounts and websites set up to trick Oasis fans into handing over money for non-existent tickets.' Andrew Parsons, managing director of Ticketmaster UK, said: 'The safest way to buy tickets is always through official channels – if you're unsure who that is, check the artist's official website as they'll always list legitimate sellers. A lot of fake tickets we see on the gates over summer are bought on social media. 'We hate having to turn fans away, so always avoid buying tickets from unofficial platforms or individuals, even if they seem genuine.' Here are some tips from the campaign for buying tickets safely: 1. If you are offered tickets for something in high demand, do not let fomo (fear of missing out) rush your decision. Take a moment to stop, think, and check if the offer is genuine. 2. Only buy tickets from the venue's box office or an official ticketing website. 3. Do not move away from an official payment platform to make a direct payment via bank transfer or virtual currency. Use the website's recommended payment methods to stay protected.
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Met is accused of 'two-tier policing' after 'threatening to charge men for waving an Israeli flag' at Palestine Action clash
Met Police officers have been accused of 'two-tier policing' after allegedly threatening to charge two men for waving the Israeli flag at Palestine Action's protest yesterday. Hundreds of protesters gathered at Trafalgar Square in response to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper 's plan to add the group to the government's list of proscribed terrorist organisations. The decision came after members last week broke into RAF Brize Norton and damaged two military planes and other 'violent' action - including one incident where two police officers were assaulted with a sledgehammer. At Palestine Action's protest on Monday, two Jewish men who waved an Israeli flag in counter-protest to the group said police forced them onto a double decker bus. Trainee barrister Isaac Grand, 22, accused the Met of 'two-tier policing' after they escorted him away whilst protesters chanted 'Zionist scum' at him. Speaking to The Telegraph, he claimed a 'young man' from the crowd tried to grab the Israeli flag before a group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators 'surrounded' them and began 'pushing them'. Mr Grand alleged that one of them was covering his entire face with a Palestine flag, which he said some would call 'assault and harassment'. He added: 'I was exercising my right to protest, which seems to be a two-tier system. 'For some reason the pro-Palestinian protesters are able to commit crimes of assault and harassment against us and the police won't do anything about it. 'But for some reason when we exercise our rights to wave a flag or say, "We support Britain", that seems to be treated by the Met Police as some assault on them.' Mr Grand called the alleged response 'a perverse system of justice'. The other Jewish man, who asked to remain anonymous, said: 'We like Britain... but unfortunately it's becoming less and less visible for minorities who don't agree with whatever is woke today.' Elsewhere at the protest, members of Palestine Action were seen clashing with police. Officers were forced to drag activists out of the crowds after they were seen scuffling with officers and shouting up close into their faces, with some wearing black face coverings or Palestinian keffiyehs. This prompted protesters to respond by pushing back, throwing water and chanting at police. The Met has been forced to deploy more than 100 officers to the rally which started at midday but quickly spilled into chaotic scenes. At least three protesters were arrested - two for obstruction and a third for a racially aggravated public order offence. Met commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said he was 'shocked' by the protest and described Palestine Action as an 'organised extremist criminal group'. As the protest was going on, Ms Cooper announced she has decided to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist group and will lay an order before Parliament next week to make membership and support for the them illegal. The proscription of Palestine Action puts the group on a par with Hamas, al-Qaeda or ISIS under British law, banning anyone from promoting the group, arranging meetings or carrying its logo in public. Those breaching the rules could face up to 14 years in jail. Dozens of Palestinian flags have adorned Trafalgar Square as music from the pro-Palestinian northern-irish rap group 'Kneecap' was blasted from speakers. A flurry of placards say: 'Hands off Palestine Action'. By 1.30pm, protesters completely blocked the corner of Trafalgar Square going off to Duncannon Street. Police officers made a blockade leading down the exit and all traffic grounded to a halt. Officers received a barrage of verbal abuse from the crowds, with some shouting 'f*** you' and 'who do you serve?'. Other chants include 'oink oink piggy, we're going to make your lives s****y'. One demonstrator said: 'We will cause mayhem today. We're here to break and smash the system. The police will get it. We don't care.' Scotland Yard said the protest had to be finished by 3pm but demonstrators have vowed to stay 'well beyond'. One said: 'They'll have to arrest us to get rid of us. We're not leaving. This is just the start.' However, three hours after the disorder exploded onto the capital's streets, the protest had ended. Calls have been growing for Palestine Action to be proscribed amid the group committing acts of serious damage to property with the aim of progressing its political cause and influencing the Government. On Friday morning, the group posted footage online showing two people inside the base at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. The clip shows one person riding an electric scooter up to an Airbus Voyager air-to-air refuelling tanker and appearing to spray paint into its jet engine. They managed to infiltrate the base and escape without being caught. The group has staged a series of demonstrations in recent months, including spraying the London offices of Allianz Insurance with red paint over its alleged links to Israeli defence company Elbit, and vandalising US President Donald Trump's Turnberry golf course in South Ayrshire. In August last year, a police officer was taken to hospital after being hit with a sledgehammer while responding to reports of criminal damage by the group at the Bristol HQ of Elbit Systems. Employees and police officers who intervened were assaulted, Avon and Somerset Constabulary said, and six people were arrested. Sledgehammers, axes, whips and other homemade weapons were seized. During the incident, two officers were assaulted with a sledgehammer. The seriousness of all of these attacks includes the extent and nature of damage caused, including to targets affecting UK national security, and the impact on innocent members of the public fleeing for safety and subjected to violence. The extent of damage across these three attacks alone, spreading the length and breadth of the UK, runs into the millions of pounds. The Home Secretary has confirmed she is launching the process that will make it a criminal offence to belong to or support the group. She said the government 'will not tolerate those that put that security at risk'.
