Football fans are being advised to remain vigilant against ticket scams following a significant increase in reported cases. Lloyds Bank has highlighted a troubling rise in fraudulent activities related to football ticket purchases.
As the Premier League season approaches, Lloyds Bank has reported that cases of ticket scams surged by approximately 32% during the 2023/24 season compared to the previous year. This spike in fraud has led to substantial financial losses for many supporters, with the average amount lost per person reaching £177, and some individuals suffering losses exceeding £1,000.
Analysis from Lloyds Bank (LSE:LLOY) reveals that the most affected age group is those between 25 and 34 years old, accounting for 29% of all reported scams. Close behind are individuals aged 18 to 24, who represent 27% of the cases. This demographic data underscores that younger fans are particularly susceptible to falling victim to these schemes.
The bank's analysis also indicates that supporters of prominent clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool have been among the most frequent victims of these scams. However, the risk is not confined to fans of specific teams; supporters of all major football clubs are vulnerable to such fraudulent activities.
In light of these findings, Lloyds Bank is urging football enthusiasts to exercise caution when purchasing tickets. Fans are advised to use trusted and secure platforms for transactions and to be wary of offers that seem too good to be true. By remaining vigilant and verifying the authenticity of ticket sellers, supporters can better protect themselves from falling prey to these scams.
With the new football season on the horizon, taking preventive measures against ticket fraud is crucial to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all football fans.