With the summer event season in full swing, ticket scams are on the rise, targeting eager fans of major events like Wimbledon, the Paris Olympics, concerts, and the Euros.

Fraudsters are employing sophisticated tactics to lure unsuspecting victims into their traps. It's crucial to stay vigilant and protect yourself from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.

Ticket scammer fraudsters employ various tactics to deceive and defraud ticket buyers, including:

Counterfeit or non-existent tickets

Scammers may sell counterfeit tickets that appear legitimate but are ultimately worthless. In some cases, they may even sell tickets for events that don't exist, leaving victims empty-handed.

Inflated prices for sold-out events

Capitalising on high demand, scammers advertise tickets for sold-out events at exorbitant prices, only to disappear with the money after the transaction.

Fraudulent ticketing websites

Criminals create fraudulent ticketing websites that mimic official sites, complete with professional designs and secure payment gateways, to trick buyers into believing they're purchasing from a legitimate source.

Social media and online marketplace exploitation

Scammers exploit popular platforms like Facebook Marketplace and personal eBay listings to advertise and sell fake or non-existent tickets, taking advantage of the trust and convenience these platforms offer.

To avoid falling victim to ticket scams, follow these essential guidelines:

1. Purchase from official sources: Buy tickets only from official, legitimate sources like authorized ticket vendors and event organisers. Verify the authenticity of websites by checking for HTTPS encryption and the padlock symbol in the address bar.

2. Beware of social media offers: Avoid buying from individuals on social media platforms or through unsolicited messages, as these are common avenues for scammers.

3. Be sceptical of deals too good to be true: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Fraudsters often use low prices as bait to lure unsuspecting victims.

4. Use secure payment methods: When making online purchases, use credit or debit cards, as they offer better protection than bank transfers or other untraceable payment methods.

5. Check for accreditation: Look for sellers that are members of self-regulatory bodies like the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR), which helps ensure legitimacy and accountability.

If you’ve been scammed:

Talk to your bank or card company immediately if you’ve handed over any financial and sensitive information or made a payment.

Report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 204.

Contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 if you need more help or visit our website.

Don't let ticket scammers ruin your summer event experience. Stay vigilant, follow these guidelines, and enjoy the events you love with peace of mind.

To contact Citizens Advice North Herts or Citizens Advice Stevenage call their Adviceline on 0800 144 88 48.