Some basic advice on what to do if ticket fraud happens to you.

If you do find that you have become a victim of ticket fraud we would advise you to report it to the police via Action Fraud as this is the most effective way. If you report it to your local Police then insist that they give you a crime reference number. This is important because as things currently stand this crime is going under recorded.  We know that this probably won't be of much help to you at the moment but it is really important that the extent of this crime comes to light. Do not let the police tell you that this is a 'civil matter' it is not a civil matter it is a criminal offence, if the police try and tell you otherwise you must insist that they take your complaint.

Reporting your fraud on the Action Fraud website:

One of the best things to appear in the fight against fraud recently has been the ability to report a fraud online using the Action Fraud website. Rather than having to get yourself to a local police station that may or may not have the time or resources available to investigate your claim you can simply report it using their centralised phone number 0300 123 2040 or (and this is our favourite) you can use their online fraud reporting tool. This fantastic feature allows you to report the fraud and get your crime reference number.

Action Fraud refers all cases of fraud to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau which is run by the police service. Although each report cannot be investigated individually, the information you provide will aid the police to build up a national picture of fraud. This will help make the UK a more hostile place for fraudsters to operate in and keep other potential victims safe.

We highly recommend using the Action Fraud website, and they have a host of useful articles to help.

Consumer Direct

It would also be helpful to report the matter to Consumer Direct who should be collecting and collating statistical information. They can also pass the information on to the Office of Fair Trading. Contact them by phone 08454 04 05 06 or on line Consumer Direct

Trading Standards

Do report it to your local trading standards office, the more fuss that consumers make the more likely it is that some form of action will eventually be taken. Trading Standards Website

Your Bank / Credit Card Company

You should contact your bank or credit card company immediately. If you have paid by credit card you will be able to apply for a refund under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. This only applies to single purchases of £100 or more - if you bought two tickets at £99 each for a total of £198 you are not covered. Though this is the legal requirement, in reality each case will be treated on its merits and currently you may be able to claim if your credit card company is sympathetic to your case. As the number of scam sites that contact its victims to say "get your money back off your bank" increases anticipate more and more companies will stick to the regulations.

If you have just paid, or the money has not yet been taken from your account then cancel your card immediately - fraudsters often sell on your card details around the world for criminal activities.

If you used a debit card, you might find your account has fraud protection, or you may be able to apply under the chargeback scheme, although this is not easy to do each case is based on merit and it will depend on who your card issuer is as to whether or not you are successful in getting a refund.

All banks who issue Visa cards have only recently agreed to process chargeback requests, and there is still widespread confusion over what it is and how it works. Therefore if you meet a dead end in your discussions with bank staff, persist. The facility is there for you to take advantage of.

You should contact the bank who has provided you with your Visa debit card within 120 days, requesting they initiate the chargeback process. It does not mean you will automatically get your money back. It will initially become a ‘dispute’ in which the claim will be fully investigated by both banks before any money is returned.

Have a look and see if your home insurance provides any cover, some may have clauses that cover fraud protection.

Don't get fooled again: How to avoid fraud completely

Use our Ticket Safe Directory and check before you buy. 

There's no better way to avoid ticket fraud, and at least you'll know who you were buying from, even if we didn't recommend them.

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