The bank advised individuals to exercise caution when purchasing tickets for important events and to get tickets directly from the clubs or official ticket partners.

According to Lloyds Bank, football ticket scams have increased before the start of the new season.

The bank’s analysis indicates that recorded instances of football-related ticket fraud climbed by more than two-thirds, or 68 percent, between January and June of this year and July to December of 2021.

Based on an investigation of purchase scams reported by the bank’s customers, the figures were calculated.

After the coronavirus outbreak, fraudsters have taken advantage of people’s desire to attend live events, according to Lloyds, which has also observed a rise in purchasing scams targeting concert tickets and sporting events.

This year, there has been a 72% increase in fraudulent gig sales.

The bank stated that elite football, in particular, has been a lucrative source of income for fraudsters, who take advantage of supporters’ hunger to watch their teams, knowing that many matches will be sold out.

The bank noted that scams occur when individuals are fooled into sending money from their bank account to online fraudsters; once the money has been transferred, the fraudster vanishes and the victim receives nothing.

It is essential to remember, according to Lloyds, that fraudsters will target any significant event when demand is likely to exceed supply.

Liz Ziegler, retail fraud and financial crime director at Lloyds Bank, said: “When supporting our favorite team, it is easy to let our emotions get the best of us.

“However, even though this devotion creates a fantastic atmosphere in stadiums around the nation, it is crucial not to get carried away while purchasing match tickets.

“The great majority of these scams begin on social media, where it is quite simple for fraudsters to create bogus profiles and advertise nonexistent goods.

“These thieves are prepared to vanish as soon as they have obtained your money.

“Only by purchasing directly from the clubs or their official ticket partners can you be certain you are purchasing a legitimate ticket.”