Fans Face Ticket Scams Ahead of Historic NFL Game in Dublin

American football fans in Ireland are facing a surge in ticket scams as excitement builds for the first-ever regular season NFL game at Croke Park. Scheduled for September 28, 2024, the matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings has generated intense demand, with over 600,000 fans attempting to secure tickets. Many enthusiasts have expressed frustration after queuing for hours only to miss out.

Reports indicate a significant increase in complaints regarding the ticket sale process, with financial crime experts warning that fraudsters are exploiting the high demand. Data from Revolut, a financial technology company with over three million customers in Ireland, reveals an alarming 80 percent increase in ticket scam reports in the two weeks following the ticket sale launch on June 17. During this period, there was also a 48 percent rise in financial losses linked to ticket scams.

Warning from Experts

Dr. Nicola Harding, CEO of We Fight Fraud, emphasized the importance of using official platforms for ticket purchases. “When regulated resale options are removed, fans don’t stop searching for tickets; they simply turn to social media where fraudsters posing as fans lie in wait,” she stated. Her organization’s research indicates that three in four tickets bought through unofficial channels are scams.

The situation is particularly concerning given the strict ticket resale laws in Ireland, which include a price cap that prevents reselling above face value. This regulation effectively eliminates legal and regulated secondary ticket options, forcing fans to resort to unregulated platforms where consumer protection is lacking.

As the kickoff date approaches, experts urge fans to be vigilant. “Events like this attract local NFL fans and many from overseas, making them prime targets for sophisticated criminals,” said Dave Eborne, Head of Fraud Operations at Revolut. He highlighted that fraudsters exploit less controlled environments, such as social media platforms, to create convincing scams that can easily deceive consumers in their eagerness to secure tickets.

Common Scams and Protective Measures

Fraudsters employ several tactics to lure fans into scams. Common strategies include advertising tickets at unrealistically low prices, pressuring potential buyers to act quickly to avoid missing out, and providing fake screenshots of digital tickets. Often, scammers operate from locations far from the event, making in-person meetings unlikely.

In Ireland, the prevalence of scams is notably higher than in markets without price caps. Research indicates that approximately 13.6 percent of Irish consumers reported being scammed, compared to just 3.8 percent in the UK. This disparity underscores the need for more transparent regulation of the resale market in Ireland.

Eborne remarked, “While capping resale prices aims to protect consumers, it inadvertently provides a breeding ground for fraud.” He advocates for improved regulation and consumer education as essential measures to combat ticket scams and protect fans.

As the demand for tickets continues to soar, both We Fight Fraud and Revolut advise fans to remain cautious and to prioritize official, regulated ticket sales platforms. With two months until the historic game, the urgency to secure authentic tickets increases, making vigilance crucial for all potential attendees.