The Dark Side of Football: Ticket Scams Targeting Liverpool Fans
Football is more than just a game – it’s a passion that unites fans around the world. But sadly, not everyone has good intentions when it comes to the beautiful game. According to a report by NatWest Bank, Liverpool supporters have been identified as the most frequent and highest-paying victims of ticket scams in the English Premier League football season 2023/24.
Last season alone, Liverpool fans lost over £17,000 ($22,000) to criminals, closely followed by Arsenal fans who lost £12,000 ($16,000). These staggering numbers highlight the detrimental impact of ticket fraud on die-hard supporters.
NatWest Bank’s ‘League of Ticket Scams’ provides a detailed account of the financial losses fans at each club suffered due to ticket scams. On average, those scammed fans lost £180.66 a season, a significant blow to their wallets.
As Arsenal club aimed to secure their first title in 20 years, one fan reported the highest ticket scam case where the individual lost £900 ($1200). The month of April 2024 saw the most significant amount of money lost by fans, with £9,925.50 ($13022.11) falling into the hands of criminals. A Newcastle United fan also fell victim to a ticket scam, losing £846.50 ($1110.29). For Liverpool fans, the highest reported loss was £850 ($1114.88).
Protecting Yourself from Football Ticket Scams
Stuart Skinner, Head of Fraud Prevention at NatWest, emphasizes the importance of vigilance in the face of fraudulent activities targeting football fans. He urges customers to stay safe and avoid falling prey to criminals who exploit their devotion to their club. Skinner warns that the actual value of ticket scams could be much higher, as not all scams are reported.
Skinner also calls out social media platforms for enabling fraudsters to target fans and urges them to take action against such practices. To help football fans stay safe, here are eight tips to avoid falling victim to ticket scams:
- Buy from official sites or well-known and reputable resale platforms
- Verify the seller if buying from a secondary market or individual Avoid deals that seem too good to be true
- Examine ticket details carefully before making a purchase
- Use secure payment methods and avoid cash or bank transfers
- Ensure the website is secure when purchasing tickets online
- Be cautious of social media ads or sellers
- Report suspected scams to your bank and the police immediately
Apart from ticket scams, football fans should also be wary of advanced fee scams where victims are asked to pay an upfront fee for a product or service that doesn’t exist. By staying informed and cautious, fans can protect themselves from falling victim to these deceptive practices.