Urgent: Gardai Investigate Electric Picnic Ticket Scams Ahead of Festival

URGENT UPDATE: An Garda Siochana has launched an investigation into multiple reports of ticket scams related to the highly anticipated Electric Picnic festival, set to take place in Stradbally, Laois on August 29, 2025. With all regular tickets sold out, the demand for resale tickets has led to a surge in fraudulent activities, prompting authorities to act swiftly.

In a statement, a Garda spokesperson confirmed, “We are investigating a number of reported Electric Picnic ticket scams. An investigation is underway.” This alarming news comes as festival organizers and law enforcement urge the public to exercise extreme caution when purchasing tickets outside of official channels.

The festival, which anticipates an increased capacity of 80,000 attendees this year, features major headliners including Hozier, Sam Fender, and Kings of Leon. However, the excitement is overshadowed by the growing threat of scams that could leave fans without valid entry.

Authorities advise festival-goers to purchase tickets only from Ticketmaster, the official ticketing partner. “If you see tickets for Electric Picnic advertised anywhere other than on Ticketmaster, you stand a good chance of getting ripped off,” the spokesperson warned. “Festival Republic will be unable to assist you if you have bought from an unauthorized source, as we will have no purchase history available for the ticket.”

As scams proliferate, the public is reminded of the common tactics employed by fraudsters. One prevalent scam involves selling genuine tickets that have already been canceled by the seller with Ticketmaster. These tickets may appear legitimate upon receipt but will be invalid at the gate.

The Garda spokesperson urged vigilance: “People are going on a photograph of a ticket that could already have been sold. Be cautious.” To help combat this issue, festival organizers have shared essential guidelines to keep fans safe while navigating the resale market.

Key recommendations include:
– **Only purchase tickets through official sources**: The only authorized ticket agent for Electric Picnic is Ticketmaster.
– **Avoid unofficial agents and auction sites**: Do not buy tickets from individuals or websites that are not registered or recognized.
– **Be aware of pricing**: Do not pay more than the authorized standard booking fee per ticket, as displayed on Ticketmaster.
– **Stay informed**: If you live in Ireland, avoid websites that have overseas addresses or lack a registered address.

This urgent warning comes as ticket sales for Electric Picnic continue to attract attention. With the festival just weeks away, fans are advised to remain alert and prioritize their safety when securing their entries.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are committed to cracking down on these scams and ensuring that music lovers can enjoy the festival without the risk of fraudulent transactions.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and ensure your festival experience is safe and secure.