Guidance

With the summer season in full swing, events and concerts are back on the agenda. However, as the demand for tickets surges, so does the risk of falling victim to online ticket fraud. CyberScotland is committed to promoting online safety, and in this article, we’ll provide you with practical, digitally focused-tips on how to avoid online ticket fraud and ensure your event experiences are scam-free. 

Online ticket fraud has seen a surge due to various contributing factors. The rise in online ticket sales has expanded the pool of potential victims, providing cybercriminals with a larger target audience. Additionally, the high demand for event tickets for some headline acts, along with limited availability, creates opportunities for scammers to exploit people’s urgency, creating fake tickets sold at inflated prices.  

Moreover, scammers have become more sophisticated, employing advanced techniques to create convincing fake ticketing websites and well-designed tickets that deceive unsuspecting buyers. The anonymity offered by online transactions allows fraudsters to operate discreetly and evade identification, making it challenging for law enforcement to track them down. 

To address this issue, consumers must stay informed and follow best practices when purchasing tickets online. At the same time, event organisers and ticketing companies implement more robust security measures to protect their customers from falling victim to fraudulent activities. 

Advice to avoid ticket fraud:

• Buy Tickets from Official Sources Only:

Always purchase event tickets directly from the official website or authorised ticketing agents. Avoid third-party sellers or online marketplaces that offer tickets at suspiciously low prices, as these could be fraudulent. Scammers often create convincing replicas of event pages, so double-check the website address to ensure it matches the official website. 

• Look for Secure Connections: 

Before entering any personal or payment information, check if the website has a secure connection. Look for “https://” in the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar. This indicates that your data is encrypted and protected from interception by cyber criminals. 

• Verify the Seller’s Reputation: 

1. If you must purchase tickets from resellers or individual sellers, research their reputation thoroughly. 
2. Check for reviews or feedback from previous customers on reputable platforms. 
3. Stick to sellers with a proven track record of successful transactions and positive reviews. 

• Beware of Phishing Scams:

Cybercriminals may attempt to deceive you with phishing emails or messages, claiming to offer exclusive ticket deals. Be cautious of clicking on links from unknown sources, which might lead to fraudulent websites or compromise your personal information. Always verify the sender’s email address and double-check the website’s legitimacy before making any transactions. 

• Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 

Enable 2FA whenever possible, especially for ticketing websites and apps. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a unique code to be sent to your mobile device or email when logging in or making a purchase. This makes it harder for unauthorised users to access your account. 

• Be Wary of “Too Good to Be True” Deals: 

Scammers often lure victims with discounted or free ticket offers. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid purchasing tickets from unknown sources that promise unrealistic deals, as they are likely fraudulent. 

• Check Ticket Details Carefully: 

Before completing any transaction, review all ticket details, including event date, time, venue, and seating arrangement (if applicable). Fraudsters may try to manipulate this information to deceive buyers. Contact the official event organiser or ticketing agent to confirm if something seems off. 

• Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Ticket Purchases: 

Refrain from making ticket purchases while connected to public Wi-Fi networks, as they can be vulnerable to hacking attempts. Instead, use your secure home network or a trusted mobile data connection to ensure your transactions are safe. 

By staying vigilant and following these digital tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to online ticket fraud. Remember only to purchase tickets from official sources, verify seller reputations, and be cautious of phishing scams. Protect your personal and payment information with secure connections and two-factor authentication. Lastly, if a deal appears too good to be true, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Have a fantastic and scam-free time at your favourite events this summer!