Football fans are eagerly anticipating the new season, with hopes and dreams fueling their excitement. For supporters of the Women’s Super League, there is an added thrill as they welcome back the Lionesses following their consecutive triumph in the Euros.
However, amidst the anticipation, a warning is being issued to fans across the country to be vigilant against fraudulent activities. Recent data from Lloyds Bank and the Home Office reveals that over £2.5 million has been stolen from football fans in the past two years, with more than 12,000 individuals falling victim to ticket scams.
The emotional impact of these scams is significant, as fans experience the disappointment of realizing they have been deceived after anticipating the joy of attending a match. Scammers are targeting fans nationwide, with supporters of clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City being among the most frequently targeted.
The issue of ticket fraud transcends age groups, with individuals aged 25 to 34 being at the highest risk of falling prey to scams. Social media platforms have become a common ground for these fraudulent activities, prompting calls for tech companies to enhance their efforts in protecting the public from such schemes.
Efforts are underway to combat ticket scams, including the implementation of the Online Safety Act to compel platforms to remove fraudulent content. Collaboration between industry stakeholders, law enforcement, banks, and consumer groups is crucial in addressing this issue and safeguarding individuals from financial losses.
As the new season approaches, fans are urged to exercise caution when purchasing tickets, emphasizing the importance of sourcing tickets only from official club channels or authorized partners. Avoiding offers on social media and using secure payment methods are key steps in preventing fraud.
In the words of the legendary Bill Shankly, football holds a special place in the hearts of the UK population. While the excitement for the upcoming season is palpable, staying vigilant against scams is essential. Together, let’s work towards eliminating fraud from the beautiful game.