Lloyds Bank has issued a stark warning to its customers, revealing that a common mistake could see them lose more than £1,700 to sophisticated fraudsters. The alert follows new research which exposes social media platforms as the primary breeding ground for ticket scams.
Social Media: The Fraud Hotspot
The bank's investigation found that a staggering over 90% of scams involving tickets for the Oasis reunion tour originated on social media. Victims of these cons lost an average of £436 each. However, the most severe single case saw an individual defrauded of more than £1,700.
Liz Ziegler, Fraud Prevention Director at Lloyds Bank, explained the trend. "We saw a surge in ticket scam reports this year," she said. "Demand for events like Glastonbury, the Oasis tour, and major football fixtures was sky-high. This led people to seek out hard-to-secure tickets wherever they could, and scammers struck through dodgy social media posts, fake websites, and online marketplaces."
Scams to Watch in 2026
Looking ahead to the coming year, Ziegler highlighted key areas where the public must remain vigilant. Ticket fraud will remain a major threat, especially with upcoming events like the FIFA World Cup and concerts from stars such as Calvin Harris and Robbie Williams.
"Buying from authorised platforms is the only way to guarantee a genuine ticket," Ziegler emphasised. "If you’re approached on social media or asked to pay by bank transfer, it’s very likely to be a scam."
She also warned about scams targeting official document applications. "Be careful when looking for help online with visas or passport applications. Anything offering to ‘guarantee’ documents in return for a payment is a scam. Always visit official government websites for help and never follow links in unexpected emails or texts."
A Call for Platform Accountability
Ziegler delivered a firm message about the role of social media companies in the fight against fraud. "Social media is where people are at greatest risk, as these platforms are infested with fraudsters and scam content," she stated.
Lloyds' data indicates that approximately seven in 10 online shopping scams begin on platforms owned by Meta (Facebook and Instagram). "These companies must act urgently to protect users, remove scam ads, and stop profiting from fraud," Ziegler insisted. "Only by working collaboratively across the private and public sectors can we make real progress."
The warning also extended to other high-demand services. Earlier this year, the bank alerted the public to a rise in driving lesson and test scams, exploiting long waiting lists. Ziegler advised always using a reputable instructor and being wary of suspiciously cheap social media adverts that use pressure-selling tactics.
While reports for some pandemic-era scams, like those for hot tubs and gaming consoles, have fallen, the overarching advice remains clear. Consumers should stick with well-known retailers and avoid the temptation of offers that seem too good to be true on social media.
