The British followers of Oasisalready outraged by the prices of tickets for the rock group’s comeback tour, are also victims of “scams on social networks,” particularly on Facebook, reported Lloyds Bank.
“There have been hundreds of reports of ticket fraud since the announcement was made. tour (at the end of August), and the band’s fans account for around 70 percent of all concert ticket scams” since then, the bank explained in a statement.
Brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher announced at the end of August a comeback tour in 2025, fifteen years after their separation.
In more than 90 percent of cases, “scams begin with a false advertisement or post on social media, the vast majority on Facebook,” according to Lloyds, which has the largest network of bank branches in the United Kingdom.
Once the payment is made, “the criminals disappear” with no trace of the promised receipts, Lloyds added.
Victims lost an average of 346 pounds (about $448), but the amount can reach a thousand pounds (about $1,297) in some cases, according to the banking institution.
Tickets are “often sold in breach of the platforms’ own rules” and this “shows the importance of these companies taking stronger action to combat scams”, said Liz Ziegler, head of fraud prevention at Lloyds.
“We continually invest in fraud protection on our platforms and advise our community to report any scams so we can take action,” reacted Meta, Facebook’s parent company.
Fans flocked on August 31 to buy tickets for Oasis concerts, but this search turned into chaos, with endless waiting lists and failures on official purchasing sites, particularly Ticketmaster, a giant of the Ticketing.
The British competition authority opened an investigation into Ticketmaster in September for its practice of “dynamic pricing,” which caused ticket prices to skyrocket far beyond those initially shown.
Tour organizers said in late October that they would cancel tickets purchased on unofficial sales sites, potentially affecting thousands of fans.
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Interview: Time.news Editor Meets Ticketing Fraud Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re discussing the alarming surge in ticket fraud related to the highly-anticipated Oasis comeback tour. Joining us is Anna West, a renowned expert in cyber security and online fraud prevention. Thank you for joining us, Anna.
Anna West: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here, especially to discuss such an important issue.
Editor: The announcement of Oasis’s comeback tour has ignited excitement among fans, but it seems that excitement has also attracted scammers. What can you tell us about the ticket fraud landscape following this announcement?
Anna West: Absolutely, it’s quite concerning. As reported, Lloyds Bank has noted that around 70% of all concert ticket scams since the tour announcement are linked to Oasis fans. The news has taken social media by storm, which unfortunately makes it an ideal hunting ground for scammers.
Editor: That’s shocking! How do these scams typically operate on platforms like Facebook?
Anna West: In over 90% of cases, scams begin with posts or ads on social media claiming to sell tickets at a price that seems too good to be true. Scammers often create fake profiles mimicking credible sellers or use automated bots to respond to inquiries quickly, which builds a sense of urgency and trust with the potential buyer.
Editor: So, what should fans do to protect themselves from falling victim to these scams?
Anna West: Fans should always prioritize purchasing tickets from official sources, such as the band’s website or recognized ticketing platforms. Additionally, they should be cautious of any offers that seem too good to be true, regardless of how legitimate a profile looks. Trust your instincts; if it feels off, it probably is.
Editor: Good advice. We’ve already seen hundreds of reports of ticket fraud; how can fans report suspicious activity when they encounter it?
Anna West: It’s critical for fans to report fraudulent postings to the platform immediately — in this case, Facebook — as well as to local authorities or consumer protection agencies. Many banks, like Lloyds, encourage reporting to them directly as well, especially if someone’s stolen money or personal information.
Editor: Given the scale of this problem, what else can the community do to combat ticket scams?
Anna West: Awareness is key. Educating fans about the signs of scams is essential. We can promote safety tips through fan clubs, social media posts, and even at concerts. Additionally, artists and their management teams can also help by communicating official ticket sale channels clearly.
Editor: It’s a community effort, then! As we look ahead to 2025 and the excitement of live music returning, what would you advise the general public regarding future events and ticket purchases?
Anna West: Stay vigilant! Always keep an eye out for updates from trusted sources, and don’t hesitate to verify any information about ticket sales. The joy of attending a concert shouldn’t come at the expense of financial security.
Editor: Thank you so much, Anna! It’s been enlightening talking to you about this pressing issue. Let’s hope Oasis fans can enjoy their comeback without falling prey to scammers.
Anna West: Thank you for having me! Let’s keep the conversation going and keep everyone informed.