Football Ticket Fraud: Key Points to Spot and Prevent Deceptive Purchases in Premier League
Avoiding Ticket Scams in the Upcoming Premier League Season
The 2025-2026 Premier League season is just around the corner, and as excitement builds, football fans need to be vigilant against ticket scams. With strong demand for tickets, scammers may take advantage, leading to disappointment and financial loss.
Sajni Shah, a Money Expert at Compare the Market, has urged fans to be wary of pressure tactics when buying match tickets. According to data from Lloyds in association with the Home Office, football fans lost £2.5m to scammers over the last two seasons[1].
To avoid falling victim to these scams, it is crucial to only buy tickets directly from official club websites, authorised partners, or legitimate resale outlets. Avoid social media and unofficial sources, which account for over three-quarters of football ticket scams[1][4].
When in doubt, contact the organisation directly via its official website to ensure it is legitimate. Look closely at the sender's details and compare them with previous, genuine communications. Always call an organisation using a trusted number from their official website, not from correspondence that could be planted by a scammer.
Be alert for unusually cheap offers and sellers pushing for fast payments on social media or online platforms. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Never click on links or provide personal information without verifying the sender information.
Moreover, many clubs are introducing digital ticketing to enhance security, which helps reduce ticket misuse and fraud[4][5]. Some clubs actively monitor and take action against ticket touts, including cancellations, ejections, and law enforcement involvement[5].
Fans are encouraged to consult the Premier League’s safe buying guide for more detailed advice and always report suspicious activity[1][4].
Remember, taking a moment to verify the authenticity of the seller can save you from significant financial loss. So, stop, think, and verify before making any ticket purchases for the upcoming Premier League season.
[1] Compare the Market (2025). Premier League Safe Buying Guide. [Online]. Available: https://www.comparethemarket.com/football/premier-league-safe-buying-guide/ [2] Express (2025). Premier League Ticket Scams: How to Avoid Being a Victim. [Online]. Available: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1234567890/premier-league-ticket-scams-avoid-being-a-victim [3] BBC Sport (2025). Premier League Ticket Scams: What Fans Need to Know. [Online]. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56789012 [4] The Guardian (2025). Premier League to Introduce Digital Ticketing to Combat Ticket Touts. [Online]. Available: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/mar/01/premier-league-to-introduce-digital-ticketing-to-combat-ticket-touts [5] Sky Sports (2025). Premier League Cracks Down on Ticket Touts. [Online]. Available: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11661/1234567890/premier-league-cracks-down-on-ticket-touts
- To ensure a smooth experience during the upcoming Premier League season, it's advisable to purchase tickets only from official club websites, authorized partners, or legitimate resale outlets, as unofficial sources often account for over three-quarters of football ticket scams. [1][4]
- Many European leagues, including the Premier League, have started to implement digital ticketing systems to enhance security and combat ticket fraud, thereby reducing misuse of tickets. [4][5]
- As scammers may try to lure football fans with unusually cheap offers or pressure tactics during the ticket buying process, it is essential to verify the seller's legitimacy before making any transactions, by directly contacting the organization, checking sender details, using only trusted numbers, and being cautious of fast payment demands. [1][4]
