People are being urged to be vigilant
A general view of the exterior of a branch of the Lloyds bank chain.
Lloyds issued an alert this week(Image: Leon Neal/Getty Images)
Lloyds Bank has issued a warning after many people were collectively conned out of £2.5 million across just two football seasons, by criminals selling fake match tickets. Data from Lloyds and the Home Office shows fraudsters took an average of £218 from each victim last season, with the cons most frequently targeting supporters aged 25–34.
Liverpool fans were the most susceptible to being targeted alongside Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City followers. However, it's not solely Premier League enthusiasts being duped, with Celtic, Rangers and Wrexham supporters also falling prey.
The trick runs rampant on social media, with over three-quarters (76%) of cons starting on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Crooks advertise sold-out or reduced-price tickets, accept payment, typically via bank transfer, and then disappear.
Disappointed football fan sitting on the sofa at home after watching his team lose, holding his head in his hand with a soccer ball and a beer bottle on the table
Football supporters have been swindled out of £2.5 million across just two seasons
Lloyds calculates there were over 12,000 victims across the nation since the 2023/24 season began, based on its 20% share of the UK current account market. Liz Ziegler of Lloyds Bank said: "It's easy to get swept up in the buzz of a new season – but scammers are banking on that excitement.
"With demand for tickets often outstripping supply, fraudsters know they can trick fans into paying for tickets that simply don't exist. We're pleased to join forces with Stop! Think Fraud ahead of the big kick-off to help raise awareness of ticket scams and ensure supporters know how to spot them."
She added: "Social media is the main breeding ground for ticket scams and it's time these firms cracked down on the fraudsters lurking on their platforms. Consumers should feel empowered to shop safely online. The best way to avoid ticket scams is to buy directly from clubs or their official partners – and steer clear of deals that look too good to be true."
Lord Hanson, Minister for Fraud at the Home Office, added: "Fraud is a ruthless crime that preys on our passions, our trust, and our excitement. As the nation gears up for the new football season, so too do fraudsters, waiting to take advantage of loyal fans searching for tickets.
"More than three quarters of football ticket scams last season started on social media, with what seem like genuine 'first come, first served' offers all too often designed to rip off desperate fans. That's why we urge all football supporters hunting for tickets to Stop! Think Fraud."
Supporters are being urged to purchase tickets exclusively through official club websites, ticket offices or authorised partners – whilst avoiding any offers that appear "too good to be true".
The Premier League intends to make at least 70% of tickets digital from the 2026/27 season to tackle fraud and ticket touting.