World Cup ticket scams warning as fraudsters poised to exploit demand from fans
Victims could lose on average £215, according to bank
Football fans are being urged to watch out for fraud ahead of the World Cup, as victims of football ticket scams lose £215 on average, according to a bank’s data.
Lloyds said football ticket scams increased by more than a third (36 per cent) during the current Premier League football season.
Its analysis was based on thousands of scam cases between October 2025 and March 2026, comparing this with the same period a year earlier.
The research also indicated that ticket scam fraudsters focus heavily on popular teams such as Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United.
Scammers also repeatedly target supporters looking for tickets to some of the most in‑demand UK football matches, such as the FA Cup Final and Champions League Final.
On average victims lost £215 during the current Premier League football season, but some fans paid hundreds or even thousands of pounds for “season tickets” or VIP seats that did not exist.
Lloyds said it is anticipated that fraudsters will attempt to exploit international demand for the World Cup.
It said many football ticket scams start on social media. Criminals advertise a spare ticket and victims are pressured to make a bank transfer. Once the money is sent, the scammer blocks the buyer and disappears.
Fraudsters may create fake waiting lists, counterfeit QR codes or bogus “pre‑release” offers as part of their tactics to part people from their money.
Hopeful football fans are expected to pay much more for World Cup tickets, meaning the potential loss for victims could be devastating – particularly when travel costs are also factored in.
The UK government and Lloyds are teaming up to highlight the issue to football supporters, as part of the Stop! Think Fraud campaign.
Led by the Home Office and supported by partners across law enforcement, banking, tech, retail and the charity sector, the campaign helps to educate people and businesses about protecting themselves against fraud.
Liz Ziegler, fraud prevention director, Lloyds, said: “Fraudsters thrive on urgency and target fans looking for hard‑to‑get tickets for big name fixtures.”
She added: “It’s incredibly convincing, and we don’t want fans to lose their money trying to support their team. We’re urging supporters to stay alert and stick to official ticketing channels.”
Lord Hanson, minister for fraud, said: “As excitement builds for the World Cup, fraudsters are preparing to exploit loyal fans searching for tickets.
“I urge all football supporters hunting for tickets to Stop! Think Fraud and show fraudsters the red card.”
He added: “Missing out on a big match is disappointing, but becoming a victim to a scam makes it even harder to bear.”
Earlier this year the government launched a new fraud strategy to tackle the UK’s most commonly experienced crime.
Tips to avoid falling victim to football ticket scams include treating requests for bank transfers as a warning sign, particularly if the account details do not match the seller’s name, and going through official channels.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of fraud is encouraged to report it to the police.
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