Image Source : Action Fraud
The festive season is a time for joy and celebration, but for pantomime fans, it has also become a time to be cautious of scammers. A growing number of fake ticket scams are targeting those seeking sell-on tickets in Facebook groups, leaving many disappointed and out of pocket. These scammers are taking advantage of the high demand for pantomime tickets, particularly during the festive season, to deceive unsuspecting buyers.
The scammers typically create fake social media profiles or join existing groups to advertise non-existent tickets at inflated prices. They often use convincing language and fake images to make their offers appear legitimate, making it difficult for buyers to distinguish between genuine and fake tickets. Once the buyer has paid for the tickets, the scammer disappears, leaving the buyer with no tickets and a significant financial loss.
The National Theatre and other reputable ticket vendors have issued warnings to pantomime fans to be cautious when purchasing tickets from unofficial sources. They advise buyers to verify the authenticity of tickets by contacting the theater or official ticket vendors directly. Additionally, they warn buyers to be wary of unusually high prices or sellers who demand payment via unsecured methods such as bank transfer or gift cards.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, pantomime fans are advised to exercise extreme caution when purchasing tickets from unofficial sources. Buyers should only purchase tickets from authorized ticket vendors or the National Theatre’s official website. They should also be cautious of fake social media profiles and groups, and never pay for tickets using unsecured methods. By being vigilant and taking necessary precautions, pantomime enthusiasts can enjoy the festive shows without falling prey to these scams.