Scamwatch: warning for Adele fans

Stay one step ahead of the fraudsters with our series of articles giving you the lowdown on the scams they use to trick people out of their hard-earned cash - and how to avoid being taken in by them.

This week, we focus on ticketing scams designed to trick people into buying fake tickets for popular events such as concerts by the singer Adele.

How does it work?
Ticket fraud involves the sale of fake or non-existent tickets to events such as music concerts, festivals and sporting competitions.

The criminals behind the dodgy websites offering the tickets for sale often prey on those desperate to get tickets for a sold-out event.

That's why Aiken Promotions, the company behind Adele's Belfast gigs on February 29 and March 1, has issued a warning to fans after the concerts sold out within minutes.

"To avoid falling victim to ticket fraud, we are urging people not to buy tickets at inflated prices from unofficial outlets," it said.

Football fans and would-be music festival goers have also been targeted by ticket fraudsters.

How can I avoid being caught out?
A lot of bogus tickets are sold via websites offering the chance to get hold of tickets to events for which tickets are nigh impossible to get.

So if you come across tickets to a concert or football match, for example, that you know is sold out, it is worth proceeding with extreme caution.

Ways to check a a site is legitimate include checking up on the site with the event organiser, promoter or venue and looking into whether the company has a proper UK address and landline phone number, rather than just a PO Box.

You should also sure the payment page is secure by looking for a padlock symbol in the address bar.

I've been defrauded. What should I do?
If you paid for the tickets by credit card, you may be able to get your money back from the card provider.

This is because credit card providers are jointly liable if goods or services fail to be delivered - as long as the ticket or tickets are worth at least £100.

Report the crime to the police via Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) and get a crime reference number. Then contact your credit card company to see if you can get a refund.

If you paid by debit card, it is also worth checking whether your home insurance policy offers fraud protection.