Fraud warning issued over rise in dodgy ticket sales in London
Over half of all concert ticket scams reported by Lloyd’s customers in early 2025 were tied to the Oasis reunion tour.
New figures from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau show that ticket fraud is escalating rapidly across the UK, and London is at the heart of the problem.
According to the data, Londoners reportedly lost £1.7 million due to fraudulent ticket sales - the highest of anywhere in the UK.
Ticket fraud includes scams involving fake or non-existent event, travel, or entertainment tickets.
The data, analysed by Italian restaurant Lucia, which hosts ticketed events, revealed that from 1 January to 14 August 2025, 5,811 incidents and £6.2 million in losses had been reported, compared to 4,496 reports and £4.5 million in losses between 15 July and 31 December 2024.
High demand for Oasis’s reunion tour is fuelling much of the surge. Over half of all concert ticket scams reported by Lloyd’s customers in early 2025 were tied to the tour, with Oasis fans nationwide losing more than £2 million collectively and an average of £436 per victim.
In London, as Oasis is set to play two more shows at Wembley, ticket fraud is rising sharply. Reports have climbed from 1,034 to 1,363 - a 32% increase, while losses went from £1.2million to £1.7million – the highest total in the UK.
Speaking on the findings, Georgina Pellant, Marketing & Events Manager at Lucia said: “Fraudsters prey on high‑demand events like the Oasis reunion tour. Fans desperate for tickets often fall for fake offers on social media and resale sites. The financial loss isn’t just money; it frequently turns anticipation into heartbreak.
“Buying tickets from trusted sellers is the best defence. If the offer comes through Facebook or an unofficial site, then it is best to avoid it altogether.”
Ways to avoid ticket sale scams:
1. Only buy from official sellers
2. Be wary of prices that seem too good
3. Use secure payment methods
4. Double-check URLs and social media profiles
5. Report suspicious listings and fraud immediately
With Oasis’s Wembley shows driving demand and scams linked to them already causing millions in losses, 2025 is shaping up to be a record year for ticket fraud. For Londoners especially, the warning is clear: stay vigilant, buy smart, and don’t get caught out.