NEW national research reveals the rising toll of ticket scams on Australian consumers, with fans losing an average of $432 each time they are scammed when purchasing event or concert tickets online.
As millions prepare for a new year of sports, concerts and festivals, PayPal Australia is urging consumers to stay vigilant and use payment methods that offer enhanced security and buyer protection.
The findings show that one in five Australians have missed out on events due to fake or undelivered tickets, and nearly one in ten have been scammed more than once.
Australians who fall victim to ticket scams lose an average of $432, with nearly half of those scammed losing between $100 and $499.
Younger fans are hit hardest: 15 per cent of Gen Z and Millennial victims report losses of $750 or more, compared to no victims aged over 45 reporting losses in that range.
Only six per cent of scammed buyers avoided losing money because they used a payment method with buyer protection, leaving the majority out of pocket.
The data also shows how the lure of a bargain continues to drive risky behaviour.
Around one in 12 Australians – and a striking 18 per cent of Gen Z – admit they would “take the risk” if a ticket price seemed too good to ignore, highlighting how scammers exploit FOMO and urgency during major event periods.
From sold-out concerts to cricket matches or New Year’s Eve events, demand for tickets has never been higher – and scammers know it.
Yet, encouragingly, Australians are showing caution. Two in three Aussies recognise the importance of sticking to official ticketing sites to avoid scams, while more than half steer clear of buying tickets through social media, which remains a hotspot for scam activity.
PayPal Australia chief information security officer, Sascha Hess, said scammers know that when tickets sell out fast.
“Fans can be tempted to take risks,” Ms Hess said.
“Unfortunately, fake tickets don’t just cost you money, they can rob you of the experience itself.
“The good news is, there are simple ways to stay protected – using secure payment methods like PayPal which offers Buyer Protection on eligible purchases, means you could be refunded if something goes wrong or no tickets ever arrive.”
With Australia heading into the busy NYE events day, many consumers are looking for safer ways to buy tickets.
More than half say that using payment methods with in-built buyer protection – such as PayPal –makes purchasing tickets online safer.
But as demand for tickets rises, scam activity is rising with it.
One in five Aussies report receiving suspicious links or encountering fake listings while trying to buy tickets online, reinforcing the need to take practical steps to stay protected.
Play it safe: PayPal’s top tips for ticket buyers
Buy from official sellers when possible – primary ticketing platforms significantly reduce the risk of scams;
Use trusted payment methods with buyer protection – avoid cash, bank transfers or payments that can’t be reversed;
Be wary on social media marketplaces – scammers often create fake listings, use doctored screenshots, or impersonate legitimate sellers or disappear after receiving payment;
Check reviews and URLs – if a site looks suspicious, search for verified reviews, or navigate directly to the official website; and
Report suspicious activity – more than half of Aussies say they’d report suspicious offers from a website or seller. Doing so can protect others from falling victim.
Scam Watch says scammers know consumers will be be busy, distracted and spending more money at this time of year.
“While you’re hurrying to get holidays booked, it’s important to slow down and be alert to scams. Criminals will try to make the most of on the holiday season through shopping and delivery scams, scratchie and prize scams, and travel and gambling scams.”
Scam Watch said scams include fake shopping sites and social media accounts pretending to be well-known brands; scam sellers on online marketplaces; emails and texts about missed deliveries or unpaid fees; road toll invoices; fake online gambling and betting sites; and scams using printed material in your letter box promoting fake travel giveaways or instant prizes.
