Social media fraudsters are selling fake World Cup tickets at high prices, as cautioned by anti-fraud authorities. Recent research indicates a 36% increase in football ticket scams in the UK over six months, with victims losing an average of £215 per season, a significant rise from the previous year.
With the upcoming World Cup, experts highlight the vulnerability to fraud due to the expensive ticket prices. FIFA has faced criticism for pricing the best seats at nearly £25,000 for the tournament in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Liz Ziegler, the fraud prevention director at Lloyds, in collaboration with the Home Office to combat ticket fraud, emphasized that scammers exploit the urgency of fans seeking tickets for popular matches. Most scams originate on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram before moving to WhatsApp for payment via bank transfer.
Online scammers are anticipated to employ similar tactics, such as creating fake waiting lists to pressure victims. Analysis of numerous scam cases revealed that fans of Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United were the most targeted from October 2025 to March 2026.
Fraud Minister Lord Hanson advised fans to purchase tickets only from FIFA or the FIFA Resale Marketplace to avoid falling victim to scams. He emphasized the importance of not supporting criminals and highlighted the government’s commitment to disrupting fraudulent activities and supporting victims through a new fraud strategy and a £31 million investment for an Online Crime Centre.
Earlier this year, ministers unveiled a new Fraud Strategy, including funding for an Online Crime Centre, to strengthen efforts against online fraud and protect consumers.
