Buying Oasis tickets? Don’t look back in anger warns Thames Valley Police fraud expert

West Berkshire residents are being warned to take care if they are trying to book for the Oasis reunion tour.

The tickets will go on sale tomorrow (Saturday), and with demand expected to exceed supply, Thames Valley Police are warning it is an opportunity for fraudsters.

Following Liam Gallagher’s appearance at Reading Festival over the bank holiday weekend, the band announced that after a long hiatus, they were reforming for the tour next year.

A pre-sale ballot was held, and remaining tickets for the shows in London, Edinburgh, Manchester and Dublin will be released at 9am.

Prices are expected to start at around £75, with the most expensive at £506.25.

Detective inspector Duncan Wynn of the Thames Valley Police’s Central Fraud Unit said: “With the long-awaited news of Oasis reforming for 17 dates across the UK and Ireland next year, there will be an understandable desire for many fans to obtain tickets.

“This sadly creates an opportunity for fraudsters to exploit the public by leading them to believe they have successfully purchased tickets when people will only be left out of pocket with no tickets or gig to look forward to.

“Watch out for fraudsters selling fake tickets – there is no ‘Definitely Maybe’ about it, this will be happening.”

He advised people to only buy tickets from the venue’s box office, the promoter, an official agent or a reputable ticket exchange site.

Avoid paying for tickets by bank transfer, especially if buying from someone unknown.

Credit card or payment services such as PayPal give a better chance of recovering money if a victim of fraud.

DI Wynn encouraged people to ensure the passwords used for an email account and for the ticket account should be different to all other passwords used.

He said using three random words can create a strong and memorable password, while setting up two-step verification (2SV) adds an additional layer of security.

This is where people must use a second device to generate a code or confirm the log-in attempt.

There will be fraudsters sending unsolicited emails, texts or adverts offering deals on tickets that can be too good to be true.

They may contain unverified links which can result in personal details being compromised and the download of a malicious file or virus.

DI Wynn said that recipients should be wary of these and emails that arrive after applying for pre-sale tickets.

“Do not assume an email is genuine as fraudsters can spoof email addresses to make them appear from genuine senders,” he warned.

“Phishing attempts can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk”

People should also check to see if the ticket seller is a member of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR).

This means they have signed up to its strict governing standards.

STAR also offers an approved Alternative Dispute Resolution service to help customers with outstanding complaints.

For more information visit Star Ticket Buying Guide

Anyone who thinks they been a victim of fraud, should contact their bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online, by calling 0300 123 2040.

“Remember, fraudsters will always be focusing on ‘The Masterplan’ and ‘Little by Little’ they will be expecting the public to ‘Acquiesce’ to their tactics,” DI Wynn added.

“I urge you to ‘Stand By Me’ and ‘Talk Tonight’ by helping spread this message to keep disappointment at bay and finances safe.”