Oasis Fans Lose £346 on Average to Ticket Scams for Reunion Tour
A recent analysis by Lloyds Bank revealed that Oasis fans lost an average of £346 to ticket scams while trying to secure seats for the highly anticipated reunion tour. The study sheds light on a surge in fraudulent activity, as scammers took advantage of the massive demand, duping hundreds of eager fans between August 27th and September 25th.
How Social Media Scams Targeted Oasis Fans
According to Lloyds, most scams originated from social media posts or fake online adverts. These fraudulent listings lured fans in with false promises, directing them to purchase fake tickets. This issue was especially prevalent among fans aged 25 to 44, with Facebook being a notable source of these fraudulent ads despite Meta’s policies prohibiting concert ticket sales on the platform. As a Lloyds spokesperson explained, this issue occurred “despite Meta’s own commerce policy stating that the sale of concert tickets is ‘not allowed’ on the platform,” likely due to the overwhelming demand for Oasis tickets.
The Scale of the Scam Problem Among Oasis Fans
With over ten million fans worldwide attempting to secure tickets—despite only 1.4 million being available—tickets sold out quickly, but determined fans kept searching for alternatives. Unfortunately, this demand created a fertile environment for scammers, with some victims losing as much as £1,000. Lloyds Bank estimates that scams affected approximately 70% of Oasis fans looking to purchase resale tickets, leaving many out of pocket.
Oasis’ Response: Fighting Back Against Ticket Scams
To address the surge of scams, Oasis took measures to protect their fans. The band announced an official partnership with Twickets, a verified resale platform, and urged fans only to buy tickets at face value through Ticketmaster or Twickets. In a public statement, the band emphasized, “Please note, Oasis Live ‘25 tickets can only be resold at face value via Ticketmaster and Twickets!” Oasis also warned fans that tickets sold through other secondary sites might be counterfeit or canceled by promoters, underscoring the importance of sticking with approved platforms.
Government Efforts to Tackle Ticket Scams and Touting
Following the scams and skyrocketing prices, the government pledged to review ticket touting practices and Ticketmaster’s “dynamic pricing.” Critics, however, argue that ticket scams and touting have long plagued the industry and require more comprehensive reforms. O2 officials have suggested that the ticketing industry could benefit from better legislation limiting resale profits, clearer information on resale sites, and improved search engine visibility for authorized resale platforms.
As Oasis fans look forward to the reunion tour, it is crucial for buyers to remain vigilant. By using only authorized platforms and avoiding unofficial resellers, fans can enjoy peace of mind while preparing for the long-awaited event.
