SCAMWATCH

SUMMER festival season is upon us — but beware, the likes of Glyndebourne and Glastonbury next month will attract scammers as well as music lovers. The number of scams reported by fans wanting to buy music festival tickets is up by 128 pc this year, according to new research by Lloyds Bank.

The average amount lost to fraudsters is £110 — with the number of people who actually fell victim to scams up five-fold on the previous year.

This is largely due to a rise in demand from festival-goers looking for last-minute tickets.

Fake websites and social media forums find it easier to take advantage of such fans because they are often panicked into making a rash decision for fear they might otherwise lose out.

Fans are being warned that, with demand often outstripping supply for such events, fake websites and phoney social media posts and emails are offering deals that do not exist.

Typically, victims are asked to pay upfront via a bank transfer — where their money is harder to recover and then the fraudster vanishes without trace. Instead of using a debit card, buy your tickets via a credit card and you should be protected under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act if they turn out to be fake or never arrive.

Look for a ‘3D secure’ authentication logo on any website you use, which signals that there is an extra layer of security.

This can include offering two levels of authentication where a one-time password is sent to your mobile phone and is needed before you can put the payment through.

Avoid any websites that ask for sensitive information, such as a banking password or your four-digit pin code.