NatWest has issued a warning to all 20 million customers about the heightened risk of ticket scams during the upcoming major sporting season. The bank reports that 87 per cent of ticket scam losses over the past five years are linked to music events, holidays, and football fixtures.
Busy Summer for Sports and Music
This summer, football fans are eagerly anticipating the FIFA World Cup, featuring England and Scotland. Additionally, sports enthusiasts will be watching the British Grand Prix in Formula One, the Wimbledon tennis championships, and the Open golf tournament in July. The summer also brings a surge in music concerts, with artists like Harry Styles touring.
NatWest, which has branches in Birmingham, cautions that major football events are prime targets for fraudsters. In 2024, football-related scams reached a five-year high, with an average loss of £200 per person during the 25/26 football season.
Expert Comments
James Holian, Chief Customer and Operations Officer at NatWest, stated: “We’re seeing fraudsters increasingly target people with ticket scams for summertime events, and they aren’t just looking for a certain type of person – anyone can be targeted regardless of age or how confident they feel spotting scams. That’s why as well as continuing to innovate with new technology, and investing in education, we’re working collaboratively with the government and the wider industry, so that customers can spend their money with confidence.”
Lord Hanson, Minister for Fraud, added: “Fraudsters will try to exploit our excitement for summer events. Whether it’s a major sporting event, a big gig or a deserved holiday, these criminals will try to make money and inflict misery. I urge everyone to Stop! Think Fraud to protect themselves and those close to you. The government is investing £250 million as part of our new Fraud Strategy to crackdown on this crime. We will continue to work with industry and use every tool at our disposal to disrupt criminal operations, bring fraudsters to justice and strengthen support for victims.”
