One in four UK adults say they have been duped by ticket scams for high-demand events, losing an average of £82 each, according to new research from Nationwide Building Society. The warning comes just ahead of the highly anticipated resale of Glastonbury Festival tickets.
With thousands of fans set to scramble for a limited number of cancelled or returned tickets, fraud experts are urging consumers to remain vigilant. Nationwide says the combination of overwhelming demand, limited supply, and a fear of missing out – or “FOMO” – has created a “perfect storm” for scammers.
Last year’s resale for Glastonbury took place on 18 and 21 April. This year’s dates are expected to be announced imminently, and demand could be even higher, with no festival planned for 2026 as the site enters a fallow year.
The past year has seen a surge in ticket-related scams linked to major events and artists. Before Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour even reached the UK, British fans were estimated to have lost more than £1 million in fake ticket scams. A separate analysis by Lloyds Bank revealed Oasis fans were losing an average of £346 each in their attempt to secure tickets for the band’s upcoming reunion gigs.
With Lady Gaga tickets now on sale for her UK arena tour, banks and consumer groups are issuing renewed warnings that fans may be targeted by fraudsters using social media platforms and fake listings.
Lloyds Bank has previously reported that more than 90 per cent of ticket scams begin with misleading adverts or posts on social media, where victims are typically tricked into making bank transfers. Many incidents go unreported – some because victims are embarrassed, others because the losses are small.
Nationwide’s research reveals that over half of people (51%) would consider buying tickets from questionable sources if it meant avoiding disappointment. A further 22 per cent admitted they would be “prepared to pay extra due to FOMO”.
Younger consumers appear to be at the greatest risk. Two in five (40%) of those aged 25 to 34 said they would knowingly risk buying fake tickets in order to secure access to an event.
Jim Winters, Nationwide’s director of economic crime, said: “When offered high-demand tickets that are cheap, or even just available, fans can easily lose control of their senses as their hearts rule their heads.”
He urged eventgoers to stay cautious, especially in the lead-up to resale dates. Experts advise buying tickets only from official platforms, avoiding bank transfers, and being wary of social media listings that seem too good to be true.
With the UK’s live events industry worth billions, scammers are increasingly targeting the growing appetite for big-ticket gigs and festivals. As demand continues to outstrip supply, businesses, banks and fans alike are being reminded that due diligence remains the best defence against fraud.
