Saturday, March 29, 2025
Thousands of fans have been duped by fraudsters exploiting the hype around Oasis’s highly anticipated reunion tour.
Oasis fans hoping to relive the glory days of Britpop have been hit hard by a surge in online ticket scams, with estimated losses surpassing £2 million, according to Lloyds Banking Group.
The bank’s internal data reveals that more than half of all reported concert ticket scams this year involved Oasis tour tickets. Fans reported average losses of around £436, with the most severe case costing a fan over £1,700.
Scammers are mainly targeting fans through unofficial ticket-selling groups on social media, where listings for fake or overpriced tickets are frequently posted.
The fraudulent posts lure buyers with promises of rare or discounted tickets, especially when official outlets are sold out. Victims are then asked to make upfront payments via bank transfer—after which the scammer disappears without delivering the tickets.
Lloyds data shows that people aged 35 to 44 are the most frequent victims, accounting for nearly a third of all cases. The cities hit hardest include Edinburgh, Warrington, and Manchester, the birthplace of Oasis.
Over 1,000 cases were reported by Lloyds customers between August 2024 and March 2025. Based on this data, the bank estimates the total number of victims across the UK to be at least 5,000.
Fraud prevention experts are urging concertgoers to avoid social media transactions and stick to authorized sellers.
“The Oasis tour is the latest goldmine for scammers,” said Liz Ziegler, fraud prevention director at Lloyds. “If you’re asked to pay by bank transfer for a ticket you found online, that’s a red flag.”
Consumer advocates also highlight the importance of using credit cards for purchases, which can provide additional protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
Lisa Webb, a consumer rights advocate at Which?, emphasized the need for better platform moderation:
“Oasis ticket demand has created the perfect opportunity for fraud. Social media platforms must take responsibility for removing deceptive posts.”
Fraud attempts often come in two waves—first during initial ticket sales, and again as show dates near. Fans are advised to remain cautious throughout the tour period.
Buy only from authorized ticket sellers or the venue.
Avoid bank transfers—use credit cards for better protection.
Be wary of offers on social media, especially in unofficial groups.
Report suspicious listings to social media platforms and the National Cyber Security Centre.
