Google Searches for “England Scotland World Cup Tickets” have soared by 1000% in the last week. However, with this high demand, experts are warning that resale prices are creating the perfect conditions for ticket scams targeting Brits.
Recent reports show just how extreme the resale market has become, with some £45 tickets being listed for as much as £1,700, and in extreme cases, even millions of pounds on secondary platforms.[1]
To help football fans stay safe, personal finance experts at MoneyExpert have shared five key warning signs to look out for when buying tickets online:
- Prices that seem too good to be true
In a market where ticket prices are often heavily inflated due to demand, unusually cheap offers are a major red flag. Scammers frequently use low prices to attract buyers quickly, especially for sold-out or high-demand events, before disappearing after payment.
- Pressure to act quickly
Fraudsters often create a false sense of urgency, claiming tickets are “selling fast” or that the offer is “only available for a few minutes.” This is designed to rush buyers into paying without taking time to verify the seller or the tickets.
- Unusual payment requests
Be cautious if a seller insists on payment methods that are hard to trace or offer no buyer protection, such as bank transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Legitimate platforms typically use secure payment systems with fraud protection.
- Lack of proof or verifiable details
Genuine sellers should be able to provide clear, checkable evidence such as booking confirmations, order references, or screenshots that can be independently verified. Vague responses or refusal to provide proof is a strong warning sign that they are not trustworthy.
- Suspicious or cloned resale sites
High-demand events often lead to fake websites designed to imitate legitimate resale platforms. Always check URLs carefully, look for inconsistencies in branding, and avoid sites that feel unfamiliar or poorly designed.
Liz Hunter, Director at MoneyExpert, also shares her advice on how consumers can protect themselves ahead of the World Cup tournament:
“Brits should take extra care when buying tickets online, particularly for high-demand events such as the World Cup. Always use official or trusted platforms where possible, and be cautious of resale sites or direct seller listings where verification is limited. Before buying, customers should also check seller reviews and customer service details. Limited feedback or unclear support information can be an early warning sign that a seller may not be legitimate.
If purchasing online, always pay by credit card as this offers important protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, which covers purchases between £100 and £30,000. This means that if tickets are not delivered, are invalid, or a seller fails to fulfil the transaction, consumers are able to claim their money back from the credit provider.
Credit cards provide a valuable layer of financial protection, particularly in a market where tickets may change hands through third parties. They also provide access to dispute resolution support, plus added peace of mind that is not available with bank transfers or other unprotected payment methods. Where possible, we would strongly advise using a credit card to ensure these protections are in place.”
For more guidance on staying safe when spending online, visit MoneyExpert.
