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Ticket Scams Cost Britons Average of £82 Amid Glastonbury Resale Warning
New research reveals that ticket scams are impacting a significant portion of the UK population, with one in four Britons reporting they have been victims. These scams, often linked to high-demand events like the Glastonbury Festival, have cost individuals an average of £82 each, according to a recent study released prior to the official Glastonbury resale.
“Perfect Storm” for Ticket Fraud
The study, commissioned by Nationwide Building Society, highlights that the “perfect storm” for ticket fraud is created by the combination of substantial demand, limited ticket availability, and the “fear of missing out” (FOMO) among fans eager to attend popular events.
Glastonbury Ticket Resale Fuels Scam Concerns
This warning comes as numerous music enthusiasts – potentially millions – prepare for a second opportunity to obtain tickets for this year’s Glastonbury Festival. The rush for tickets is amplified after the initial release sold out rapidly in just 35 minutes in November.
The official resale for potentially thousands of cancelled and returned Glastonbury tickets is anticipated within the next two weeks. Last year’s resale occurred on April 18th and 21st. Demand for this year’s tickets could be exceptionally elevated, as the following year is designated a ‘fallow year,’ meaning the festival will not take place to allow the site to recover.
High-Profile Events Trigger Spate of Scams
Over the past year, numerous prominent events have generated intense demand for tickets, leading to a surge in ticket scams. For instance, months before Taylor Swift’s Eras tour arrived in the UK last summer, it’s estimated that British fans lost over £1 million to fraudsters when tickets were initially released.
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Data analysis from Lloyds Bank reveals that Oasis fans, eager to purchase tickets for the Manchester band’s UK reunion concerts this summer, lost an average of £346 each to scammers.
Warnings have also been issued regarding Lady Gaga fans being potential targets for ticket fraud, following the recent ticket release for her upcoming UK arena tour on Thursday.
Social Media and Bank Transfers: Common Scam Tactics
Lloyds Bank has previously indicated that over 90% of reported ticket scam cases originate from fraudulent advertisements or posts on social media platforms. These scams commonly involve tricking individuals into making payments via bank transfers. However, a significant number of victims do not report these crimes, often due to embarrassment or because the financial loss is perceived as minor.
FOMO Drives Risky Ticket Purchases
Nationwide’s research further revealed a concerning trend: slightly over half (51%) of respondents admitted they would consider purchasing tickets from “questionable sources” to avoid missing out on events, thus increasing their vulnerability to fraud. Furthermore, over a fifth (22%) were “prepared to pay extra due to FOMO”.
The study identified individuals aged 25-34 as the most susceptible demographic to ticket scams. Nationwide reported that two in five (40%) individuals in this age group “would knowingly risk buying fake tickets” to ensure they could attend an event.
Expert Advice: “Hearts Rule Heads” in Ticket Scams
Jim Winters, Director of Economic Crime at Nationwide, commented, “When confronted with offers for sought-after tickets that seem like a bargain or are simply available when others are sold out, fans can easily become emotionally driven, overriding their rational judgment.”