Arsenal fans, along with their Liverpool counterparts, are being urged to exercise caution when purchasing match tickets as new data reveals a sharp rise in football ticketing scams during the 2023/24 season.

Lloyds Bank‘s analysis of reported fraud cases indicates a 32% surge in scams targeting football fans compared to the previous season, with victims losing an average of £177, and some even exceeding £1,000 in losses.

The bank’s data highlights a concerning trend where supporters of Arsenal and Liverpool fell victim more frequently than others, although fans of all major clubs are at risk.

The culprits behind these scams typically operate by creating fake posts on social media platforms and online marketplaces, advertising non-existent tickets for high-demand matches. Often, they use images of genuine tickets to deceive unsuspecting buyers, who are then tricked into making payments, usually via bank transfers. Once the money is transferred, the fraudsters disappear, leaving the victims with nothing but financial loss and disappointment.

The age group most susceptible to these scams last year was 25 to 34-year-olds, accounting for 29% of cases, closely followed by 18 to 24-year-olds at 27%. This suggests a vulnerability among younger fans, who may be more trusting of online interactions or eager to secure tickets for their favourite teams.

Lloyds Bank advises fans to purchase tickets exclusively through official channels, such as the club’s website or authorised ticket partners. They caution against deals that seem too good to be true, as these often turn out to be scams. Additionally, fans should be wary of unofficial sellers on social media, where fraudsters often create fake profiles to exploit unsuspecting victims.

Liz Ziegler, Fraud Prevention Director at Lloyds Bank, emphasised the importance of sticking to official channels and avoiding offers that seem too good to be true. She also highlighted social media as a primary breeding ground for these scams, where fraudsters create fake profiles to lure victims.

As the new Premier League season commences, fans are urged to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid falling prey to these fraudulent schemes.