This year the region’s social calendar is packed full of events from comedy shows to sports and concerts, but following a flurry of bogus ticket-seller reports, fraud officers at Northumbria Police are urging people to be vigilant.
The advice comes as Action Fraud launches a campaign to clampdown on phoney ticket sales.
Data issued by the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime revealed more than £6.7million had been lost nationally to ticket fraud in 2022 alone.
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Across Northumbria, there were 90 reports made last year and so far this year, officers have received more than a dozen reports – from fake Peter Kay tickets to Newcastle United season ticket scams.
Enquiries into all reports are ongoing but officers are asking people to make sure they are buying from genuine sources and challenging anything which seems too good to be true.
Detective Inspector Phil Thoburn, of the Force’s Cyber Crime team, said: “There are some absolutely massive events coming to the North East in the coming months and scammers know people will not want to miss out. Our advice is simple, stick to buying from the trusted sources you know and have used previously.
“Fraudsters know the majority of people love a bargain and it’s common for them to use social media to advertise cut price tickets, deals and discounts for sold-out events. They might be offering a good deal, but we’d urge everyone to be alert and ask themselves – ‘is this deal too good to be true?
"Is this person from a reputable company or organisation? Please do not send any money to a complete stranger based on their word, it could be a scam."
Det Insp Thoburn added: “If this has happened to you, please do not be embarrassed or ashamed as fraudsters are experts at getting people to part with their cash and pretending to be someone else. We are committed to tackling fraud so please Report to Action Fraud using their website or by calling 0300 123 2040.
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