Don’t Get Scammed!” Devon & Cornwall Police Issue Urgent Warning to Oasis Fans Amid Ticket Frenzy

As Oasis fans across the UK scramble to secure tickets for the highly anticipated reunion tour, Devon & Cornwall Police have issued a stark warning to ensure that enthusiasts don’t fall prey to ticket fraud.

Ticket Scams on the Rise: What You Need to Know

With tickets now live and in high demand, fraudsters are expected to exploit eager fans. Daniel Parkinson, Detective Inspector of the Serious Organised Crime Branch at Devon & Cornwall Police, has highlighted the increasing trend of ticket scams, especially surrounding popular events like this one. Each year, thousands of people across the UK are conned by fraudulent ticket sales, losing out on their money and missing the events they were excited to attend.

To protect fans, Devon & Cornwall Police have provided essential guidance on how to secure legitimate tickets and avoid scams.

How to Secure Genuine Oasis Tickets

Fans are urged to follow these steps to ensure they purchase authentic tickets:

• Use Official Channels: Always buy tickets from the band’s official website or authorised vendors.
• Check the Venue: Visit the concert venue’s official website for accurate ticket information and links to authorised sellers.
• Use Secure Payment Methods: Opt for payments via credit card or PayPal, which offer added protection against fraud.
• Be Realistic About Prices: If a deal appears too good to be true, it likely is.
• Be Cautious with Resale Tickets: Closer to the event, scammers may offer tickets on social media, claiming to have spares or be unable to attend due to illness. Be aware these tickets could be fake, and payments are typically not protected.

Avoid These Common Pitfalls

To reduce the risk of falling victim to scams, fans should:

• Avoid Unverified Sources: Don’t purchase tickets from unofficial websites, social media, or classified ads.
• Never Pay by Bank Transfer: Legitimate ticketing platforms won’t request direct bank transfers.
• Ignore Suspicious Links: Be wary of emails or texts that contain links to ticket sales; these could be phishing scams.
• Keep Personal Information Private: Don’t share personal or financial details unless the seller is confirmed to be legitimate.
• Take Your Time: Scammers often create a false sense of urgency. Ensure you verify the seller before making a purchase.
• Don’t Share Ticket Images Online: Posting images of your tickets could allow scammers to replicate them and trick others.

What to Do if You Encounter a Scam

If you suspect you’ve encountered a ticket scam, report it immediately to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting Action Fraud. For more information on how to protect yourself from ticket fraud, visit the Take Five to Stop Fraud website.

Stay vigilant and make sure your Oasis experience is unforgettable for the right reasons.