New figures from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau show that ticket fraud is escalating rapidly across the UK, with 2025 already eclipsing mid-late 2024 in both number of cases and financial losses.
Ticket fraud includes scams involving fake or non-existent event, travel, or entertainment tickets. The data, which was analysed by Italian restaurant Lucia, which hosts ticketed events, revealed that from 1 January to 14 August 2025, 5,811 incidents and £6.2 million in losses had been reported compared to 4,496 reports and £4.5 million in losses between 15 July and 31 December 2024.
High demand for Oasis’s reunion tour appears to be fuelling a big part of the surge. Over half of all concert ticket scams reported by Lloyd’s customers in early 2025 were tied to the tour, with Oasis fans losing more than £2 million collectively and an average of £436 per victim.
Looking closer at the NFIB data, the North West recorded one of the most dramatic increases, jumping from 512 reports (July-December) 2024 to 837 in 2025 so far, a 63% increase. Losses almost exactly doubled, jumping from £372,000 to £747,000.
London which continues to see the highest number of reports overall, climbed from 1,034 to 1,363 – a 32% increase. Losses went from £1.2million to £1.7million. The West Midlands also saw a significant increase with reports up from 307 to 430, Losses grew from £285,000 to £480,000.
Regions with the highest ticket fraud losses in 2025 so far:
| Region | Reported Losses In 2025 So Far |
| London | £1.7 million |
| East of England | £776,000 |
| North West | £747,000 |
| South East | £617,000 |
| West Midlands | £480,000 |
Speaking on the findings, Georgina Pellant, Marketing & Events Manager atLucia said:
“Fraudsters prey on high‑demand events like the Oasis reunion tour. Fans desperate for tickets often fall for fake offers on social media and resale sites. The financial loss isn’t just money; it often turns anticipation into heartbreak.
“Buying tickets from trusted sellers is the best defence. If the offer comes through Facebook or an unofficial site, then it is best to avoid it altogether.”
Georgina’s Top Tips to Stay Safe
1. Only Buy from Official Sellers
“If a ticket isn’t being sold through the event organiser or an authorised reseller, there’s no guarantee it’s real.”
Always start with the official venue or artist website. Avoid deals on social media or unverified resale sites.
2. Be Wary of Prices That Seem Too Good
“Massive discounts on sold-out shows are almost always a red flag.”
Scammers lure buyers in with the promise of a bargain but it’s often a scam or a duplicated ticket that won’t scan.
3. Use Secure Payment Methods
“Never pay by bank transfer or gift cards, only use credit cards or PayPal, which offer protection.”
If a seller insists on a direct transfer, walk away.
4. Double Check URLs and Social Media Profiles
“Fake ticket sites often look legitimate even copying the branding of real ones.”
Check for spelling errors, unusual domains, or new social media pages with few followers.
5. Report Suspicious Listings and Fraud Immediately
“Act quickly if you suspect you’ve been scammed as you may help stop someone else from becoming a victim.”
Contact your bank, the platform where the listing was posted, and report it to Action Fraud.
With the Oasis tour driving massive demand and cynicism, and ticket scams linked specifically to it accounting for more than £2 million in losses, the 2025 figures are a stark warning: ticket fraud is on the rise, and now more than ever, protection matters.
