As the UK gears up for one of the busiest live events calendars on record, new research released for Safer Internet Day has revealed a worrying reality: most British fans can’t tell a real ticket from a fake on social media.
The study, commissioned by online safety charity Get Safe Online and led by former cybercrime police officer Nick Hawe, highlights how scammers are increasingly targeting desperate fans across platforms like Instagram, Facebook and X — with devastating financial and emotional consequences.
With blockbuster tours from artists such as Harry Styles, BTS and Ariana Grande, alongside major sporting events including the World Cup, experts warn that ticket fraud is set to surge throughout 2026.
Over Half of Brits Admit They Can’t Spot a Fake Ticket
According to the research, 55% of respondents said they cannot confidently determine whether a ticket listing on social media is genuine, leaving millions vulnerable to scams.
Even more concerning, 53% of Brits admitted to buying tickets on social media because they appeared cheap, only to later discover they were fake — losing an average of £258 in the process.
The findings also revealed stark regional disparities, with London emerging as a ticket scam hotspot, where one in four Londoners has been caught out by a ticket scam in the past year alone.
Despite growing awareness of online fraud, 31% of fans said they were unaware of any tools or websites that can help verify whether a ticket is genuine, underlining the need for clearer guidance and education.
Why Proposed Ticket Price Caps Could Make Scams Worse
The research arrives at a pivotal moment, as the UK government considers introducing price caps on resale tickets. While the proposal aims to protect fans from inflated prices, experts warn it could have the opposite effect.
According to the study, 51% of respondents were unaware that price caps could increase the risk of ticket scams on social media by restricting access to regulated resale platforms.
Evidence from Ireland — where resale price caps already exist — paints a stark picture. Fraud rates there stand at 13.6%, nearly four times higher than in the UK. During the recent NFL Dublin ticket sale, the lack of legal resale options pushed fans onto social media, triggering an 80% spike in ticket-scam victims and a 48% rise in financial losses, with 17–24-year-olds most affected.
With primary ticketing accounting for 94% of the UK market and resale making up just 6%, experts argue that limiting safe resale options only forces fans into riskier, unregulated spaces.
Fans Want Protection — But Still Take Risks
Despite widespread mistrust of social platforms, desperation often wins out. The research found that 60% of Brits do not trust buying tickets on X, 54% on Instagram, and 53% on Facebook.
Yet nearly half of respondents (45%) said they would still risk losing money on social media if it meant seeing their favourite artist live.
At the same time, 70% said they would only buy tickets from platforms offering consumer protections, such as refunds or replacement tickets — highlighting a clear demand for safe, regulated alternatives.
Get Safe Online Appoints a Ticket Safety Expert
In response to the findings, Get Safe Online has appointed Nick Hawe as its official Ticket Safety Expert, tasked with helping fans navigate the growing threat of online ticket fraud.
“Ahead of a stellar year of live events, it’s alarming to see that 55% of Brits aren’t able to spot a ticket scam,” Hawe said.
“To make matters worse, proposed resale price caps risk pushing fans towards social media platforms where scams are rife. Instead of focusing on the 6% resale market, the government should ensure fans have access to safe, regulated alternatives that genuinely protect consumers.”
Fans can visit the Safe Ticket Buyer Tools page on Get Safe Online for free resources and verification tools recommended by Hawe to help avoid online fraud.
Real Stories Show the Human Cost of Ticket Scams
The research is backed by real-life case studies that reveal just how convincing modern ticket scams can be.
Michael Oxley, 56, from St Helens, lost £700 after attempting to buy Oasis tickets on Facebook.
“It looked like a family friend selling them — their name, their photo, everything,” he said. “We trusted them completely. It turned out their account had been hacked.”
Beyond the financial loss, Michael described the emotional toll as “heartbreaking”, adding that the disappointment of his family was the hardest part to accept.
Meanwhile, Joel Diamond, 22, from Liverpool, lost £350 after buying football tickets via a Reddit page he believed was trustworthy.
“The seller even sent proof of purchase,” he said. “It wasn’t until the QR code failed at the stadium that we realised we’d been scammed.”
The experience ruined what was meant to be a special trip and left Joel unable to enjoy the rest of his holiday.
How Fans Can Protect Themselves
As live events continue to dominate UK culture in 2026, experts stress that education and access to safe ticketing platforms are essential to protecting fans.
For practical advice on staying safe online, visit Get Safe Online and explore their dedicated ticket safety resources.
