Lloyds Bank has issued a warning to soccer fans in the United Kingdom about rising ticket fraud ahead of the new Premier League season. Last season, thousands of fans were tricked into buying fake tickets for matches, with losses averaging £177 ($226) per person. Scammers often post fraudulent tickets on social media platforms like Facebook and online marketplaces, luring fans eager to watch their favorite teams with deals that seem too good to be true.
According to Lloyds Bank, soccer ticket fraud increased by a third compared to the previous season, affecting around 6,000 fans, especially supporters of Arsenal and Liverpool. Criminals exploit high demand for tickets, often using images of real tickets to deceive buyers into making payments via bank transfer, a method that offers little protection once the transaction is completed.
Fans are advised to avoid deals on unofficial platforms and stick to verified ticket sellers. The bank emphasized that falling victim to a scam not only results in financial loss but also the disappointment of missing out on important matches.
Lloyds Bank’s fraud prevention director, Liz Ziegler, urged supporters to remain cautious and not fall for seemingly attractive offers. Lloyds Bank has also called on social media companies like Facebook and X to take stronger measures to combat these fraudulent schemes. More than half of the reported soccer ticket scams from the 2023/24 season originated on Facebook, making it a hotspot for fraud. With the new Premier League season starting on August 16th, fans are urged to stay vigilant.
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