Herts police say ticket fraud has risen since Oasis reunion

A study conducted by Lucia discovered that the East of England suffered a 67 per cent rise in reported ticket frauds since 2021.

In Hertfordshire, there was a 31 per cent increase with the most common age group affected being 20 to 29-year-olds.

Victims in Herts are reported to have lost over £10,000 - the third highest in the region - due to ticket scammers with an average of £607 per person between 2021 and 2024.

According to Herts police, the "high-profile ticket" releases of Oasis and Taylor Swift in 2024 may have caused the increase, particularly following the demand of the Manchester band's 2025 UK tour announcement in August.

Both Oasis and Taylor Swift have seen demand skyrocket for their respective tour dates. (Image: Newsquest) Detective Inspector Katy Jackson, from the Serious Fraud and Cyber Unit, said: “Fraud has been increasing nationally and in Hertfordshire over recent years. 

“The rise in ticket fraud since 2021 has been particularly marked due to the restriction on events during COVID. 

“We have also recorded a rise during 2024 mainly as a result of several high-profile events, such as the Paris Olympics, Euros, as well as the Taylor Swift and Oasis tours. These types of events would be particularly of interest to those in the 20-29 age group."

The constabulary has been carrying out a lot of “fraud prevention messaging” particularly around tickets at larger events that have been hijacked by fraudsters.

“Anyone buying tickets online for events should be vigilant and always use reputable and well-known vendors,” Det Insp Jackson added.

Police Action Fraud offers the following advice on avoiding ticket scams:

• Only buy tickets from the authorised agents.
• Say no to bank transfers and opt for the safety net of credit cards.
• Protect your accounts.
• Check if your ticket vendor is a @STARticketing member.
• Be wary of unsolicited adverts offering good deals on tickets