Oasis fans are being hit by a wave of social media scams as they desperately hunt for tickets for the band’s first tour since 2009.
A recent analysis by Lloyds reveals scams have surged since the reunion announcement. It says Oasis fans account for roughly 70% of concert ticket fraud reports.
Rise in Ticket Scams Targeting Oasis Fans
- Significant Losses: Victims are reportedly losing an average of £346 per scam, with some cases reaching up to £1,000.
- Age Group Most Affected: Those aged 35–44 are particularly vulnerable, representing 31% of all cases.
- Primary Source: More than 90% of scams stem from fake ads or posts on social media, predominantly on Facebook and its Marketplace.
Social Media: A Hotbed for Fake Ticket Listings
Facebook owner Meta has banned concert ticket sales on the platform. However, numerous unofficial groups dedicated to buying and selling Oasis tickets have surfaced.
Many of these groups have amassed tens of thousands of members. This creates an ideal platform for scammers to target hopeful fans.
Liz Ziegler, Lloyds’ Fraud Prevention Director, said:
“Fraudsters wasted no time in targeting Oasis fans desperate for reunion tour tickets. The sheer volume of fake listings underscores the need for social media platforms to step up their efforts against scams.”
Tips to Avoid Ticket Scams
- Only Buy from Official Sources: Stick to reputable ticket-selling platforms.
- Exercise Caution on Social Media: Profiles and listings may appear legitimate but can easily be faked.
- Watch for Unrealistic Deals: Be wary of unusually low prices or tickets for sold-out events—they’re often too good to be true.
- Choose Secure Payment Methods: Use a credit or debit card for added protection, or PayPal as an alternative to bank transfers.
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Inside the Ticket Purchase Scam
Ticket scams typically involve fake listings offering tickets at reduced prices or for sold-out events. Here’s how they operate:
- Social Media Hooks: Scammers use eye-catching posts on platforms like Facebook to lure buyers.
- Upfront Payment Requests: Victims are instructed to pay via bank transfer for tickets that don’t exist.
- Disappear After Payment: Once money is sent, scammers vanish, leaving fans without tickets and no recourse for recovery.
These scams often occur in two waves: first when tickets go on sale, and again closer to the event as fans become more willing to pay more.
Record Spending on Concert Tickets
Lloyds also found Oasis ticket prices on release day saw customers spending heavily:
- Primary Sales: An average of £563 per debit card transaction was spent on major UK ticket platforms.
- Resale Sites: Fans paid an average of £909 per transaction on resale sites.
This spending surpassed previous ticket sales, including Taylor Swift’s UK tour this year, which saw an average of £342 on primary sites and £518 on resale platforms.
Looking Forward: Navigating the Ticketing Maze
As excitement builds for Oasis’s return, the surge in scams is a stark reminder for fans to tread carefully.
By sticking to official sellers, staying skeptical of social media listings, and using secure payment methods, fans can protect themselves against fraudsters eager to cash in on their devotion.
