Ticket Fraud Warning: Don't Get Scammed – Buy Safe, Buy Smart

Police are urging the public to be cautious when buying event tickets online. Always buy from authorised sellers and beware of scam websites that mimic genuine ones. Never pay by bank transfer. If it seems too good to be true – it probably is.

Don’t Be Left Out of Pocket: Protect Yourself from Ticket Fraud

With festival season and big events just around the corner, Police in Northern Ireland are warning the public to stay vigilant and avoid ticket fraud.

The safest way to ensure your tickets are genuine is to buy them directly from an authorised seller or official reseller. Fraudsters often use cleverly designed fake websites, complete with stolen graphics from real sellers, to trick people into parting with their cash.

Some of the common signs of a scam include:

• Slightly altered website addresses that look legitimate at first glance.
• Offers made through social media or unofficial contacts.
• Requests for payment via bank transfer, which provides no buyer protection.

Top Tips to Avoid Ticket Scams:

• Only buy from trusted, authorised sellers – like official event websites, box offices, or recognised resale platforms.
• Never pay by bank transfer – use a credit card or secure payment service.
• Do your research – double-check the ticket provider’s legitimacy.
• Don’t follow suspicious links – type web addresses directly into your browser.
• Look out for spelling errors, strange URLs, or vague contact details.

If something seems too good to be true – it probably is.

Report It

If you fall victim to a ticket scam:

• Report it to your bank immediately.
• Contact Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 101 to report it to police.

Stay Informed

To learn more about how to stay safe online and use ticketing services securely, visit Action Fraud’s website or your local police service.