Broads Authority targeted by fake ticket sellers for events

The group's issued a warning to those attending its events

Broads Authority
Author: Sian RochePublished 3rd Oct 2024

Event scammers are usually more focused on targeting music lovers wanting to see their favourite band at Wembley, but in the Norfolk Broads, it is nature lovers who are facing the threat of being conned by fake ticket sellers.

In recent weeks, criminals have been targeting people wanting to go on events like bat evenings, talks about fungus and guided walks through nature reserves.

It has led the Broads Authority to issue a warning after a number of fake profiles on Facebook have attempted to offer tickets to events for resale.

These people have posted event adverts on the social media site, stating they are “willing to sell them cheap” as they can no longer make it.

However, officials have said the names of the profiles do not match the people who have already bought tickets.

The BA has urged people to be vigilant and to contact them for help to make sure the ticket seller is legitimate.

Broads Authority's Facebook event for a fungi talk

"Recently we’ve noticed an increase in fake profiles"

In a post shared on social media, officials said: “Although our events don’t quite have the same level of hype as the Oasis re-union tour, recently we’ve noticed an increase in fake profiles making posts on our events (or commenting on them) offering tickets for sale or stating they ‘can no longer make it’ and are willing to sell their tickets for cheap.

“Many of these accounts are obviously fake as they have no friends/photos and their images are clearly taken from Google.

“If someone wishes to cancel their attendance or receive a refund they can do so via the Eventbrite platform

“We do not encourage the reselling of any tickets outside of this to prevent scams from happening and because we need to ensure our attendance records are accurate in case of emergency.”

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.