Fraud risk as World Cup frenzy begins, fans warned

Fans of Premier League clubs Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United have emerged as the main targets for fraudsters selling worthless fake tickets.

This is a drone photo of the Azteca Stadium, the venue for the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taken on May 10, 2026, in Mexico City, capital of Mexico. Mexico is set to cohost the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June and July of this year, along with the United States and Canada, becoming the first country in the world to host three World Cup tournaments. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

A new report released on Monday by Britain's interior ministry, the Home Office, said ticket scams rose 36 percent over the past six months compared with the same period a year earlier.

The report said victims of ticket fraud lost an average of 215 pounds (292 U.S. dollars), although some lost much more. The total amount of money lost by victims rose 42 percent compared with the same six-month period a year earlier.

"Some fans paid hundreds or even thousands of pounds for 'season tickets' or VIP seats that never existed," it added.

"Hopeful football fans are expected to pay much more for expensive World Cup tickets, meaning the potential loss for victims could be devastating - especially for those forking out on extra costs to travel across the Atlantic."

Almost a third, or 32 percent, of all ticket scams are football-related, with fraudsters expected to exploit international demand for the biggest games of the year.

The Home Office's warning to football fans comes just weeks before the FIFA World Cup kicks off in North America.

The Home Office is leading a "Stop! Think Fraud" campaign together with law enforcement agencies, banks, technology companies, retailers and charities. The campaign aims to equip individuals and small businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to protect themselves from fraud.

The Home Office also issued a checklist to help fans identify whether they are being cheated.