Ticket Scams Surge as Oasis Reunion Tour Continues — How to Stay Safe

Written By Cyber and Fraud Hub

With the Oasis reunion tour well underway and more UK and international dates still to come, demand for resale tickets is soaring as scammers target fans trying to secure seats. In April, Lloyds Bank reported that fraud related to the tour accounted for more than half of all concert ticket scams they had tracked. Reported victims lost an average of £436 after buying fake tickets, often through social media posts. Police Scotland has also warned fans to be cautious, noting 422 reports of ticket fraud in 2024, many connected to high-profile events like the Oasis tour and other major shows.

This problem isn’t limited to Oasis. Summer is peak season for ticket fraud, with scammers targeting sold-out concerts, festivals, and sporting events. Resale prices for major shows can spike within minutes of tickets going on sale. For example, STV News reported that tickets to Lewis Capaldi’s recent comeback tour appeared on resale sites like Viagogo almost immediately after release, with most listed for over £230 and some reaching £468, far above face value. These inflated prices often push frustrated fans toward social media and unverified sellers, where scams are far more common.

How Ticket Scams Work

Ticket scams are a type of purchase fraud where fans pay for tickets that are fake, invalid, or never delivered. These scams tend to surge in two waves. The first wave happens when tickets first go on sale, when excitement is highest and buyers are willing to take risks. The second wave hits closer to the event, when last-minute buyers turn to resale markets and unofficial channels, making them easy targets.

Scammers typically post adverts on social media or in unofficial resale groups, claiming to have seats for sold-out shows. Lloyds Bank stated that over 90% of reported ticket scams started with fake adverts, posts, or listings on Meta platforms, particularly Facebook, where fraudsters often use fake profiles or hijack real ones to seem trustworthy. Once buyers send money, usually by bank transfer or payment apps that offer no buyer protection, the seller disappears, leaving the victim out of pocket.

Some scams go further, using convincing but fraudulent ticketing websites with slightly altered web addresses to trick buyers into handing over both money and personal details.

How to Protect Yourself

To lower your chances of getting caught out by a ticket scam:

  • Buy from official sellers or STAR-accredited resellers (e.g., Ticketmaster, Twickets).

  • Use secure payment methods like credit or debit cards. Avoid bank transfers, gift cards, or unprotected payment apps.

  • Avoid tickets sold via social media or unofficial channels, where most of these scams originate.

  • Watch for extreme prices. Unusually cheap or inflated tickets are red flags.

  • Verify the sellers and confirm how the ticket will be transferred before sending money. Legitimate tickets should come via secure, official channels, not just screenshots.

  • Make sure you’re on the real ticket site before paying. Double-check the web address (for example, “ticketmaster.com,” not a misspelled or unusual variation).

For full, detailed guidance, visit our Ticket Scams Resource Guide.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If the worst happens and you believe you’ve been targeted:

  • Contact your bank or payment provider immediately if you've made a payment or shared card details. Acting quickly may help stop or reverse the payment.

  • Report the incident to Police Scotland on 101 and to the platform where the incident took place.

  • Save all evidence, including emails, receipts, messages, and screenshots, to help investigations.

  • Call the Cyber and Fraud Hub Incident Helpline on 0808 281 3580, or visit our website, for expert advice and support.

Stay Vigilant This Summer

As Oasis continue their reunion tour and summer festivals fill up across the UK, ticket demand will remain high and scammers will continue to exploit it. Staying alert and following a few simple steps can help keep your money safe — and make sure your plans stay on track.

Sources

Cyber and Fraud Hub
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