Trading Standards is reminding sport fans that buying fake tickets or using fake ticket websites can lead to you missing out, being hurt and out of pocket.
Sport scams can also involve fake branded sports clothes and equipment and fake travel and accommodation packages.
It’s important to remember that anyone could become a victim of scams like these. Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington’s parents nearly missed her success at the Beijing Olympics because they had been misled into purchasing tickets from a fake website; their tickets never arrived.
With the London 2012 Olympics approaching and other high profile sporting events coming up, Trading Standards is urging all sports fans to be cautious when buying sporting tickets and goods.
Protect yourself from sport scams and frauds:
- C – Choose your shopping outlets and websites carefully.
- H – Help yourself. If the deal is too good to be true then it probably is.
- E – Ensure you look for authentic branding and holograms.
- C – Contact the authorities if you are concerned.
- K – Keep a copy of your order and receipts.
If you have been a victim of a sport related fraud, or any kind of fraud, report it to Action Fraud.
Read more about sport scams and fraud during National Consumer Week on the Trading Standards website.
Please note that Action Fraud is not responsible for the content of external websites.
To report a fraud, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use our online reporting tool.
Related links:
Olympics fraud
Ticket scams
London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Tickets
