SCAM ALERT – BEWARE OF FAKE WEBSITES SELLING FAKE TICKETS

SCAM ALERT – BEWARE OF FAKE WEBSITES SELLING FAKE TICKETS

You don't buy from the touts in dark alleys, so why be less vigilant when buying tickets online?

Fraudsters are using social media to offer fake tickets and trick unsuspecting victims out of their money. Scammers will set up fake websites offering you the chance to buy tickets to a popular event, generally one that is already sold out or where tickets haven’t officially yet gone on sale. You hand over the money for the tickets, but they don’t turn up. Or it may be that you are sent tickets, which are actually fake, so you don’t realise you have been duped until it’s too late.

Here are some things to be aware of when buying tickets online :

1. You should only buy from the official websites - if you see another website offering cheaper rates or sold-out tickets, it's possible that it's a scam.

2. Research the company online to see what others say about it and its reputation.

3. Check they have a real-world presence such as a registered landline.

4. Always go with your gut and never pay when you can't see the padlock sign in the website address bar (which suggests the site is encrypted for payment).

5. After you've bought from the site make sure you logout before you continue browsing.

6. Be wary of how you transfer funds - they shouldn't need your bank details to process an order.

7. Don’t go with unauthorised sources or buy from strangers you meet on social networks.

Remember – if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is.