What is ticket fraud?

Ticket fraud is a scam that sells you tickets which never arrive or turn out to be fake. Report Fraud describes bogus sellers advertising popular events through websites and social media. A ticket file or booking message does not prove that you can enter the event. 1

By Secordit. Last checked: 7 November 2026.

Go to the steps · All glossary terms

How does it work?

  1. A seller advertises tickets for a popular event. 1
  2. You pay, but the tickets never arrive or cannot be used. 1
  3. The seller stops answering when you challenge the purchase. 1

What Report Fraud describes

Report Fraud describes buyers receiving printable tickets that event organisers later reject as fake. This is an authority-described pattern, not a named victim case. 1

What are the warning signs?

  • An unknown seller wants payment by bank transfer. 1
  • A website claims to have tickets for an event that has sold out. 1
  • The seller says someone will hand over tickets outside the venue. 1

What to do now

  1. Contact your bank if you paid a suspected fraudulent seller. 1
  2. Keep the seller’s details and messages for your report. 123

UK reporting and support

  • If you paid a suspected scam, contact your bank using the number on your card. 14
  • Report fraud in England, Wales or Northern Ireland to Report Fraud. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. 45
  • If someone is in danger, call 999. 5
  • Forward suspicious emails to [email protected]. Forward suspicious texts to 7726. 6

How can you protect yourself?

  • Start with the venue’s box office or its recognised ticket agent. 1
  • Check whether the seller belongs to the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers. 1

Frequently asked questions

Can an e-ticket be fake?

Yes. Report Fraud describes printed and electronic tickets that fail at the venue. 1

Should I trust a seller’s familiar-looking website?

Not on appearance alone. Report Fraud warns that fake ticket websites can resemble genuine sellers. 1

Could someone target me again?

Yes. Report Fraud warns about follow-up offers to recover money for another fee. 1

Matching kit

After a Scam: What to Do First · £7 · Digital download.

A printable UK checklist for money, account and reporting steps. It is general information, not a recovery service.

General information, not legal, financial or personalised security advice. Secordit is not a police or bank reporting service.

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Sources

  1. Report Fraud, Ticket fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  2. Report Fraud, Work from home scams. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  3. Report Fraud, Guide to reporting cyber crime & fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  4. Report Fraud, Police impersonation alert and reporting routes. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  5. Police Scotland, How to report a crime. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  6. GOV.UK, Avoid and report internet scams and phishing. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).