April 2nd 2025
Lady Gaga is the latest global superstar to join a busy line-up of live events over summer, alongside the likes of Coldplay, Oasis and Beyoncé. As excitement builds for her Mayhem Ball tour – including three highly anticipated UK performances at The O2 in London – fans are gearing up for the general ticket sale this Thursday. But soaring demand comes an increased risk of ticket scams – especially on social media.
Recent high-profile ticket sales have shown just how rampant scams have become. According to Lloyd’s Bank, victims of Oasis ticket scams lost an average of £346 each, with 90% of scams occurring on social media – demonstrating how fraudsters continue to exploit major event sales. Recent research from Get Safe Online reveals that despite the rise in scams:
- 54% of UK consumers perceive social media as a ‘safe space’ for purchasing live event tickets or are indifferent to the risks, despite an increase in scams.
- 42% of UK consumers have used social media to buy tickets, despite the risks associated.
- 1 in 8 (13%) ticket buyers on social media have fallen victim to scams.
- 27% of fans admit to turning to social media out of desperation for obtaining tickets.
With expected high demand, scammers will undoubtedly attempt to exploit eager fans searching for tickets. The data shows that fans need to be more aware of the risks of buying tickets on social media and have access to safe, regulated marketplaces with strong consumer protections.
For all fans looking to secure Lady Gaga and any other tickets, Get Safe Online has developed a buying and selling tickets safety guide.
Tony Neate, CEO of Get Safe Online, comments: “Lady Gaga’s tour could result in another ‘Oasis storm’ — huge fan demand, limited tickets, a single primary seller, and a stressful buying process. This makes it easier for scammers to take advantage of fans, which often drives them to social media platforms. That’s why it’s so important for fans to have safe alternatives with strong consumer protections. More competition in the market gives fans greater choice in where and how they buy tickets safely. We want every fan to be aware of the risks of buying tickets on social media and to have access to multiple platforms and regulated marketplaces that protect them with a money-back guarantee.”
