If you do find that you have become a victim of ticket fraud we would advise you to report it to the police and 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.

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

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

You should contact your bank or credit card company, 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.

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.