Scammers trick over a million UK Gen Zs out of concert ticket money as social media becomes a hotbed for fraud this summer

We’ve all been there—your favorite artist announces a tour, and before you know it, the tickets are gone.

Sold out in seconds.

In the mad scramble to grab a spot, many Gen Z fans have been turning to social media for last-minute tickets.

But what seems like a quick fix has turned into a major scam-fest.

Millions of Gen Zs Fooled Online

It turns out that over 1.5 million Gen Zs (that’s about 21%) admitted they were scammed last summer while trying to buy tickets to live shows.

Despite being known as tech-savvy and digital natives, many were caught off-guard by slick fraudsters on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Instagram.

Even more alarming? 2.2 million of them—around 32%—have experienced some form of scam through these platforms.

It’s not just a one-time mistake. Scammers are getting smarter, and the younger crowd is paying the price.

Social Media: The Hotspot for Ticket Scams

Although more than half of Gen Zs (52%) have noticed a rise in shady ticket listings online, that hasn’t stopped them from falling into the trap.

Their deep connection to social media makes them more vulnerable—and more likely to lose big.

In fact, Gen Z is expected to lose around £685.9 million to ticket-related scams.

What’s fueling this? Desperation.

StubHub UK found that many young fans were so eager to see their favorite acts that they skipped even the most basic checks.

A staggering 25% didn’t bother verifying the identity of the seller before sending money.

And 1 in 5 openly admitted they’d rather take the risk than miss out on a dream concert.

Millennials Aren’t Safe Either

It’s not just Gen Z feeling the sting.

Nearly 30% of Brits aged 25-34—that’s around 1.4 million Millennials—got scammed last summer while hunting for concert tickets on social media.

With festival season heating up, the number of scam attempts is expected to explode, potentially reaching nine million cases across the UK.

Where Scammers Are Striking

While London remains a top target, scammers are now focusing on other major cities like Leeds, Birmingham, and Manchester, where demand is high and fans are eager.

With huge tours lined up this summer from big names like Oasis, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Lana Del Rey, and Olivia Rodrigo, fraudsters are already circling like sharks.

The Oasis and Taylor Swift Scams

A recent wave of scams hit Oasis fans especially hard.

According to Lloyds Bank, hundreds were duped while trying to get tickets for the reunion tour—each losing an average of £346.

Over 90% of these scams started from fake posts or adverts on social media.

And Taylor Swift fans? They’ve reportedly been scammed out of more than £1 million.

Lloyds says over 600 of their own customers fell victim, left with nothing but frustration after paying up front for tickets that never came.

How These Scams Work

Here’s the typical pattern: scammers post fake listings for tickets—often priced slightly below market value or promising access to sold-out events.

Once a fan agrees to buy, they’re asked to send money, usually via bank transfer.

But once the money’s gone, so are the scammers.

The result? No tickets. No refund.

Just heartbreak and a lighter bank account.

Six Ways to Stay Safe from Ticket Scams

1. Stick with trusted marketplaces
Always use reputable platforms that offer secure payment options and real customer reviews (look for high ratings on sites like Trustpilot).

2. Look for buyer protection
Make sure the website offers guarantees in case your ticket doesn’t arrive, or the event gets cancelled.

3. Real human support matters
Choose platforms where you can talk to an actual person if anything goes wrong—not just bots.

4. Use credit or debit cards only
Never use bank transfers or cash payments. Cards usually offer better fraud protection.

5. Double-check ticket details
Ensure seat numbers, event dates, and prices match the official event listings. Avoid vague or suspicious descriptions.

6. Beware of “too good to be true” deals
If the price feels suspiciously low or the offer sounds too perfect, it probably is.

Final Word: Don’t Gamble With Your Money

StubHub UK’s message is simple: don’t risk it.

Social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp don’t offer the protections you need.

And while the excitement of live music is real, it shouldn’t come at the cost of your savings—or your sanity.