Summer is officially here, and with it comes the buzz of festival season, sold-out concerts, and marquee sporting events. From Lady Gaga lighting up Sydney to sizzling tennis finals in Melbourne. Australians are ready to make the most of the summer event calendar. But as excitement builds, a darker trend is on the rise: online ticket scams.
New research from PayPal has revealed that one in five Australians has been scammed when buying tickets online, with victims losing an average of $432 each time. The data paints a clear picture of who’s most at risk: younger Australians are feeling the sting the hardest. Fifteen percent of Gen Z and Millennials report losing $750 or more to ticket fraud, while Australians over 45 seem to be somewhat shielded from the most extreme losses.
Even more worrying, nearly half of those scammed reported losses between $100 and $499. And while some of us think we can sniff out a fake deal, the lure of a bargain is a powerful draw. Around one in twelve Australians admitted they might “take the risk” if the ticket price seemed too good to ignore. Among Gen Z, that figure jumps to 18%. Scammers know that FOMO and urgency are irresistible drivers during peak event season, and they’re exploiting it.
Despite the rise in scams, there are glimmers of hope. Australians are becoming more cautious. The research shows that two in three fans understand the importance of sticking to official ticketing sites, and 52% avoid buying tickets through social media platforms, which remain a hotspot for fraud. But even savvy buyers aren’t immune = fake listings, doctored screenshots, and impersonation scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Sascha Hess, Chief Information Security Officer at PayPal Australia, warns: “Scammers know that when tickets sell out fast, fans can be tempted to take risks. 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.”
So, what can fans do to protect themselves while still enjoying the live events they love? PayPal has shared some top tips for staying safe:
- Buy from official sellers whenever possible. Primary ticketing platforms significantly reduce the risk of scams. Earlier this year, PayPal partnered with Ticketek to offer secure, flexible payments for fans.
- Use payment methods with Buyer Protection. Avoid cash, direct bank transfers, or payments that can’t be reversed. PayPal protects eligible purchases, so if tickets never arrive or turn out to be fake, they will refund you.
- Be cautious on social media marketplaces. Scammers frequently create fake listings, doctor screenshots, impersonate sellers, or vanish after receiving payment.
- Check reviews and URLs carefully. If a site looks suspicious, search for verified reviews or go straight to the official website.
- Report suspicious activity. More than half of Australians say they would report suspicious offers, helping protect other fans from falling victim.
Summer in Australia is full of unforgettable experiences, from the high-energy pop of Lady Gaga at the Sydney SuperDome to major music festivals across Melbourne and Brisbane. But the thrill of live entertainment shouldn’t come at the cost of your wallet. By sticking to trusted platforms, using secure payment methods, and staying vigilant online, fans can enjoy the music, sport, and festival experiences they’ve been dreaming of—without the heartbreak of losing money to scams.
As Australians dive into this season of concerts, festivals, and major sporting events, remember: if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Plan ahead, protect yourself, and make this summer memorable for all the right reasons.
