A new report released on Monday by Britain’s interior ministry, the Home Office, said ticket scams rose 36 percent over the past six months compared with the same period a year earlier.
The report said victims of ticket fraud lost an average of 215 pounds (292 U.S. dollars), although some lost much more. The total amount of money lost by victims rose 42 percent compared with the same six-month period a year earlier.
“Some fans paid hundreds or even thousands of pounds for ‘season tickets’ or VIP seats that never existed,” it added.
“Hopeful football fans are expected to pay much more for expensive World Cup tickets, meaning the potential loss for victims could be devastating – especially for those forking out on extra costs to travel across the Atlantic.”
Almost a third, or 32 percent, of all ticket scams are football-related, with fraudsters expected to exploit international demand for the biggest games of the year.
The Home Office’s warning to football fans comes just weeks before the FIFA World Cup kicks off in North America.
The Home Office is leading a “Stop! Think Fraud” campaign together with law enforcement agencies, banks, technology companies, retailers and charities. The campaign aims to equip individuals and small businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to protect themselves from fraud.
The Home Office also issued a checklist to help fans identify whether they are being cheated.
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