Laois Offaly Gardaí issue timely advice on avoiding ticket scams

Laois Offaly Gardaí have issued advice to people who are looking to buy tickets for concerts and other events. 

“With major summer concerts in full swing, An Garda Síochána is reminding the public to be extremely cautious when purchasing event tickets—especially online or via social media.

There is no guarantee that tickets bought from unauthorised sellers are genuine. You could be turned away at the gate—no refund, no entry, no comeback,” Garda Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Graham Kavanagh warned. 

He said  "scammers are getting more convincing and sophisticated. If it seems too good to be true, it usually is. Don’t let the thrill of the gig become the sting of a scam."

People looking for tickets are advised to always check with official event promoters and use official ticket sellers. 

“Buy direct from the event’s official website or verified ticketing partners. For sold-out events, some artists work with approved resale sites that limit prices to face value,” he stated. 

Sgt Kavanagh advised people to scrutinise competitions and only enter giveaways hosted on official channels. He urged people to use online tools like Who.is to check if a website is newly created- a common trait with scam pages. 

“Beware fake social media accounts: Avoid buying from strangers online. Watch out for new or inactive accounts with no followers—scammers often use these to offload fake or duplicate tickets.”

“Don’t be lured by “too good to be true” prices: Fraudsters use bargain prices to hook victims, especially for high-demand, sold-out shows,” said Sgt Kavanagh.  

Finally, he warned,  “never pay by bank transfer or crypto: These payment methods offer zero consumer protection. Use a credit card or secure payment platform with fraud protection whenever possible.

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It’s not just about missing a concert—it’s about protecting your money and personal data. Stay sharp, stick with trusted sources, and don’t let a scammer cash in on your excitement,”  he said.