Influencer Vows to Refund Thousands in Electric Picnic Ticket Scam

A social media influencer has committed to refunding thousands of euros allegedly swindled from individuals seeking tickets to the sold-out Electric Picnic festival. The influencer, known for her presence in the beauty pageant community, is currently under investigation by the Garda for reportedly selling counterfeit tickets to dozens of hopeful festival-goers.

The investigation was confirmed following numerous complaints from victims who initially shared their experiences on social media. The influencer had advertised the sale of two tickets to the Electric Picnic, leading many to believe they were purchasing legitimate access to the event. As the situation unfolded, she deleted her social media accounts.

Investigation and Refund Commitment

The Garda fraud squad has reportedly questioned the influencer, who is said to be fully cooperative with the ongoing investigation. Sources indicate that she has pledged to return all funds received from individuals misled into buying the non-existent tickets. It is believed that the Garda are allowing her this opportunity, as she has effectively admitted her guilt in the matter.

Victims have begun approaching the Garda to file formal statements. As of now, it is feared that hundreds of individuals may have been affected, with estimates suggesting that the total amount collected by the influencer could reach into six figures. The Garda confirmed they are investigating incidents of alleged online fraud, particularly regarding the resale of event tickets that reportedly occurred in recent weeks.

The Garda have urged anyone who suspects they may have fallen victim to this fraud to come forward. Individuals can report their experiences either in person at their local Garda station or by contacting the freephone Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.

Warnings from Authorities

In light of these incidents, organizers of the Electric Picnic festival have issued a public warning. They stated that anyone purchasing tickets from sources other than Ticketmaster risks being scammed and potentially denied entry.

“All event tickets are checked by our staff at entry to the event and again at the wristband exchange for camping shows,” the organizers emphasized. “Any forged tickets will be confiscated, and individuals may face questioning from the police.”

The festival organizers specifically noted that they do not issue “Print at home” tickets, advising fans that any tickets advertised in this manner are likely fraudulent. They highlighted that genuine tickets may already have been cancelled by the seller through Ticketmaster before being resold to unsuspecting fans.

As the investigation continues, it remains crucial for consumers to exercise caution when purchasing tickets for sold-out events. The Garda spokesperson reiterated the importance of verifying the legitimacy of ticket sales, particularly through third-party vendors, to avoid falling victim to scams.