As a devoted fan of Liverpool, the upcoming football season presents an opportunity to witness if Arne Slot’s team can secure consecutive titles after more than four decades and surpass Manchester United on the all-time leaderboard.
Each fan enters the new season with their aspirations, including supporters of the Women’s Super League eagerly anticipating the Lionesses’ return following their back-to-back success in the Euros.
Anticipation for the season’s kickoff will drive football enthusiasts nationwide to secure tickets, hoping to experience electrifying moments akin to those witnessed in the past year.
However, amidst the excitement, I urge football fans to remain vigilant against fraud risks. Unfortunately, where there is high demand and a fear of missing out, fraudsters lurk. Recent data reveals a staggering £2.5 million has been fraudulently taken from dedicated football fans over the past two years, with more than 12,000 individuals falling victim to ticket scams.
The impact of these scams extends beyond financial losses, causing emotional and psychological distress as fans transition from excitement to the devastation of being deceived.
Football fans, including those supporting Liverpool, are prime targets for scammers, with followers of Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City also at risk of exploitation.
Fraudulent activities are not limited to specific regions, with incidents reported in Scotland and Wales targeting supporters of Celtic, Rangers, and Wrexham, who have witnessed a remarkable return to the second tier.
Alarmingly, individuals aged 25 to 34 face the highest risk of falling victim to ticket scams, with over three-quarters of these incidents occurring on social media platforms. Efforts are ongoing to urge tech companies to enhance their measures to safeguard the public from fraudulent activities.
The new Online Safety Act will play a crucial role in combatting fraudulent content on digital platforms. Collaboration among industry stakeholders, law enforcement, banks, and consumer groups is essential to collectively address this issue and shield the public from scams.
A comprehensive Fraud Strategy set to launch later this year will prioritize public awareness, ensuring funds remain in the pockets of hardworking individuals as part of the Government’s Plan for Change. To safeguard against ticket scams, I urge individuals seeking last-minute or resale football tickets to adhere to three simple principles: Stop. Think. Fraud.
It is imperative to purchase tickets exclusively from official club websites, ticket offices, or authorized partners. Avoid trusting enticing offers on social media and opt for secure, recommended payment methods while refraining from transferring funds to unfamiliar sources.
In the words of the legendary Bill Shankly, football holds a significant place in the UK’s culture. Amidst the fervor surrounding the sport, vigilance against scams is imperative. Together, let’s eliminate fraud from football and preserve the integrity of the game.