The Liverpool Echo reported that Liverpool fans suffered heavy losses due to ticket fraud. According to Lloyds Bank's estimates, British fans have lost a total of 2.5 million pounds due to ticket fraud in recent years. Data from the bank showed that each victim lost an average of £218 last season, and more than 2,400 football ticket fraud cases reported by customers in the past two seasons, with a total loss of more than £500,000.
Bank speculates that since the start of the 2023-24 season, at least 12,000 victims have appeared in the UK, with the fraud amount exceeding 2.5 million pounds. Liverpool fans are most likely to be targeted, followed by Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City fans. Celtics, Wanderers and Wrexham fans are also involved. The 25- to 34-year-old group accounted for the highest proportion (28%), and the 18- to 24-year-old group followed closely (26%).
The British government has issued a warning with Lloyds Bank through anti-fraud operations, and data shows that 76% of ticket scams last season began on social media. The scammers posted false advertisements, using discounted prices or "popular tickets for extra tickets" as bait, requiring the victim to advance the ticket payment through bank transfer and disappear.
Lloyds Bank anti-fraud director Leeds Ziegler warned: "Enjoy is easy to be exploited in the new season, and the current situation of insufficient tickets gives scammers an opportunity to take advantage of it."
Lord Hansen, Secretary of Anti-fraud Affairs of the British Ministry of the Interior, emphasized: "Fraud is a cruel crime to plunder passion and trust. When fans are eager to seek votes, it is the time when scammers are the most rampant. Last season, more than three-quarters of the scams were used on a 'first come, first served basis' ’The script is implemented. ”
Price comparison website expert Sagini Shah suggested: “Beware of red flags such as social media ultra-low price tickets and urging quick payments.”
Lloyds Bank also provides fans with anti-fraud guidelines, do not consume impulsively because of "miss phobia", insist on purchasing tickets through the official website of the Premier League club, ticket office or authorized partners, and refuse to transfer money directly from the official platform or pay for virtual currency.