A WARNING has been issued to people buying event tickets after almost £7 million was lost to fraudsters.

Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, is warning people to be careful when buying tickets for a range of sport, music and comedy events, as new figures reveal over £6.7 million was lost to ticket fraud in 2022.

The national awareness campaign comes after Action Fraud received 7,088 reports of ticket fraud in 2022.

One of the worst-impacted months was July 2022, with 747 reported cases of fraud resulting in £957,887.23 of losses – an average of £1,282 per victim.

The West Midlands saw 341 reports in 2022, with the worst affected area being London,

READ MORE: Emergency services attend three vehicle crash on Bath Road

Pauline Smith, head of Action Fraud, said: “Action Fraud has seen a rise in ticket fraud over the past twelve months, as criminals take advantage of people wanting to enjoy more live sport and music.

“We urge people to be wary of ticket sales from unknown websites or people they do not know.

"Criminals may offer deals on sold-out or exclusive events, however once you have parted with your money, the tickets are either fraudulent or never appear at all.

“Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Action Fraud is working with the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) to promote the safe and secure purchasing of tickets to summer events.

Jonathan Brown, chief executive of STAR, said: “Buying from a STAR member means you are buying from an authorised ticket supplier signed up to our strict code of practice.

"While we hope you never have to use it, this also gets you access to our approved alternative dispute resolution service."

READ MORE: Yellow weather warning for winds issued for Worcester

Action Fraud is also advising that the public follow the 'Take Five to Stop Fraud' campaign advice to keep themselves safe from fraud:

  • Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information.
  • Challenge: Could it be fake? 
  • Protect: if you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.