After more than 15 years, Oasis, one of the most renowned British pop bands of the last 30 years, have finally announced a reunion tour. The announcement provoked a media frenzy and has courted much controversy since the initial release of tickets due to Ticketmaster site crashes, long wait times and queues for purchase, and a ‘dynamic pricing’ strategy. However, as with any huge public interest event, we also saw an uprise in scammers pretending to be official websites conning consumers into buying fraudulent tickets. These parties can vary from selling non-existent tickets with no refund available to gaining sensitive personal information and draining your bank account or selling your data online.
The surge in demand for tickets and controversy means that two more dates have been added for Wembley Stadium which will be available via a “staggered invitation only ballot.” With more details set to be released on this, it is important to stay informed ahead of purchase. If you are looking to buy tickets for Oasis, or indeed any gig – here are some of our top tips to avoid being scammed.
7 Essential Tips to Dodge Ticket Scammers
1. Be Careful of ‘lookalike’ Websites
Scammers will replicate official pages and camouflage behind the edits of the URL. They will make tiny tweaks to the URL and use similar branding to trick customers into a fake ticket purchase. Always double-check the domain, HTTPS and the whole URL when visiting the website to make a transaction.
2. Be wary of Malware through Messaging
Have you received a discount offer or an ‘early access code’ from an unknown source? The most common mistake people make is opening files and links from an email or personal message they get from an unknown contact. Malware can be stored in any file or link, so do not install or click anything to avoid this, even in your email inbox. Remember, an official company team will never contact you directly to finalise a purchase.
3. Avoid ‘Too Good to be True’ Deals
Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. If someone is offering tickets at prices significantly lower than the official resale market, it's likely a scam. Legitimate sellers rarely offer steep discounts on high-demand tickets. Always compare prices with official sources or the band's official website to get an idea of the real market value.
4. Use Verified Payment Methods
When purchasing tickets, always use secure payment methods displayed on legitimate websites and remember that many credit card companies as well as PayPal offer buyer protection. Avoid using cash, wire transfers, or gift cards, as these methods make it difficult or impossible to recover your money if you fall victim to a scam.
5. Don’t get caught out by Phishing
Phishing is the technical name for an online scam where criminals pretend to be legitimate organisations to trick people into revealing sensitive information. Typically, this information includes things such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal details. Criminals will often look for behaviour patterns (such as an avid fan posting on social media about an upcoming ticket sale) and then target the individual. Usually, they do this by sending fake emails or messages that look like trusted sources, hoping the victim will provide the requested information. Pay attention to where the email originated from (by hovering over the sender's details), check the quality of the graphics and logos and finally the language (and grammar) used within the email.
6. Stick to official apps and websites
Download ticket apps directly from official app stores and access ticket websites by typing the URL directly into your browser. Avoid clicking on links in emails or social media posts, as these could lead to fake websites designed to steal your information.
7. Check the Seller’s Credentials
Verify the seller's credentials. If you're buying from a resale platform, check the seller's history, ratings, and reviews. Be cautious of new accounts with little to no selling history. On official platforms like Ticketmaster, look for the verified resale badge or similar indicators of legitimacy.
We understand the hype and excitement felt by many fans when their favorite band announces a new tour- as do cybercriminals. It's important to remember that many cybercriminals are simply opportunists who will quickly adjust their techniques to exploit people; whether they are employees or individuals. Follow us on LinkedIn and X to learn more on how to avoid becoming the victim of cybercrime.
