Avoiding Scams This Summer As Taylor Swift And Other A-List Acts Roll Into Town

In 2024, ticket scams are more prevalent than ever (both HSBC and Lloyds bank have put out recent warnings to fans).

Tixel a trusted reseller have given their thought on how to avoid scams and stay safe throughout the busy summer packed with A-list celebrities.

“We know that missing out on the best gigs and festivals is bad enough (that’s why we started Tixel in the first place!) – but it’s a whole new level of hurt when you realise you’ve been swindled before even having the chance to step through the venue gates.                 

We’ve all felt the FOMO that makes us consider risky business to snag tickets, and as massive headline tours like Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, AC/DC, and Olivia Rodrigo hit UK shores this summer, online scammers are already circling.

So Tixel has pulled together a handy list to help you be on your guard and spot the red flags to avoid, to help you from falling into common ticket-buying traps.

The seller doesn’t seem to have many friends, or has just selfies on their profile.

While it can seem like you’re doing your due diligence on someone offering tickets on social media, setting up a fake social media account takes just a few minutes, and can end up costing you dearly. If their friend or follower count is low, their account looks new or their photos look a little suss, they may have spun up an account to obscure their identity… so in this instance, you’d be best avoiding any transactions.

If the seller won’t flash that ticket like a VIP pass, avoid!

The old “they haven’t sent me the ticket yet” excuse, or sending through fake-looking tickets is a straight-up red flag. If you’re not using a site that can validate the ticket for you, then ask for a clear image of the ticket and make sure things like names match and remember, low res usually = low trust.

Watch out for weird payment processes

If they’re asking for dodgy stuff like a wire transfer or claiming to have PayID issues that require you to navigate a strange payment process, avoid. Tixel has a private ticket sale option that will let the seller share their ticket with just you, and you, the buyer benefit from the ticket being validated and the payment being secure. (*Dodgy sellers seem to magically ghost once you suggest this as they know they can’t get the scam over the line).

If the seller is flogging tickets at a suspiciously cheap price.

Come on! Don’t take the bait. It’s just like that age old saying, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

If the Seller seems reaaaaally keen.

If the seller drops lines like, “Hurry up, I’ve got a date with another buyer,” and creates unnecessary time pressure, you’d be right to be suspicious!

Buyer or seller, don’t send photo ID.

You’d be amazed at the number of people who are convinced to send pictures of ID to prove themselves in a transaction — driver’s licence, passport, you name it. Don’t set yourself up to be on the receiving end of the wrath of swindled Swifties.

Selling? You probably need to be careful, too.

Not just buyers get scammed. If you’re reselling a ticket, wait until the funds are cleared first (chicken and egg, we know, if your buyer wants to see the ticket first/see buyer tip 2 above!), or even better, keep everyone safe by using a trusted marketplace.”