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Following the announcement of the easing of lockdown restrictions over the coming months, several festivals and concerts have been announced, with demand expected to be incredibly high. Some festivals have already sold out.
As a result of the high demand for tickets, the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) are warning buyers to take extra care when buying tickets online. We are urging people to be wary of fraudsters selling fake or non-existent tickets to events. NFIB have already started seeing reports of non-existent tickets being advertised for sale online, some at inflated prices.
In February 2021, Action Fraud received 216 reports of ticket fraud. This is an 62% increase on the previous month and the highest number of reports received since March 2020 when lockdown restrictions were first implemented. Victims reported losing £272,300 in February 2021 – an average loss of just over £1,260 per victim.
It is anticipated that increased demand for tickets following lockdown restrictions will lead to greater numbers of victims and higher losses as a result.
Spot the signs of ticket fraud and protect yourself:
Every report matters. If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime report it to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/alert/action-fraud-warning-as-demand-for-tickets-increase-ahead-of-lockdown-easing