Warning to people buying concert tickets via social media

The force’s Economic Crime Unit is warning music lovers and concertgoers to be aware of scammers offering tickets for sale ahead of various summer events taking place across the UK.

Since the start of the year, three reports have been made from people living in both counties concerning tickets listed for sale on social media.

On 10 January, a woman from Uppingham reported that she had bought four gig tickets via Facebook Marketplace. She transferred the payment to a bank account that was in a different name to the seller and the tickets have not been transferred.

On 11 March, a man in West Leicester reported that he had tried to buy gig tickets via Facebook Marketplace. However, when he tried to make a payment, it was blocked by his bank as the receiving account was flagged as fraudulent.

On 17 March, a man from Loughborough reported he had paid a “small” amount for tickets. He was told by the seller that the ticket provider’s website was broken and sent an Apple Wallet pass which was fake. The seller then began harassing him for more money – which was not sent – and made threats to him regarding reporting the matter to police.

Detective Sergeant Steve Wallage, from the ECU, said: “As we approach the summer, please be vigilant if you are looking to buy tickets to any concerts, sporting or other events. If you’re looking for a spare ticket, always use genuine, authorised exchange websites when searching online.

“In some – but not all cases, social media accounts are accessed and used as a frontage to list and offer tickets for sale. The person responsible may utilise contacts and relationships from those accounts to sell tickets to friends of that account under the guise of being the genuine person.

“If you are tempted to purchase tickets or other high value products from friends adverts on social media, please contact them by other genuine known contact methods first to check it’s a genuine listing”

• You can report to Action Fraud by visiting https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
• You can also report via the force website by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/fo/v2/report-fraud-bribery-corruption/
• Further information about ticket fraud can be found by visiting https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/ticket-fraud
• Information about the Government's "Stop! Think Fraud" campaign can be found by visiting Stop! Think Fraud - How to stay safe from scams