Newcastle United fans issued police ticketing warning ahead of run-in and Sam Fender St James’ Park gigs

Northumbria Police are taking part in a nationwide campaign after more than £6.7 million was lost to ticket fraud in 2022.
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Newcastle United fans have been sent a warning by Northumbria Police as ticket scams continue to plague the region.

The force is taking part in the Action Fraud campaign to clamp down on phoney ticket sales after more than £6.7 million was lost nationally to the type of fraud in 2022.

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Across Northumbria, there were 90 reports of ticket fraud made in 2022 and more than a dozen have been received in 2023.

Whenever Newcastle United play at St James' Park, the club sells out its 52,000 capacity with tickets now hard to come by with the city buoyed by new owners.

It has left some football fans desperate to buy tickets being resold online and, as a result, potential victims of ticket fraud.

The Northumbria Police warning also comes as Sam Fender plays two sold-out nights at St James' Park this June.

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Over 100,000 tickets to Fender's landmark shows sold out in minutes last year but many were left gutted at missing out.

Detective Inspector Phil Thoburn, of the Force’s Cyber Crime team, said: “There are some absolutely massive events coming to the North East in the coming months and scammers know people will not want to miss out.

Many Newcastle United fans haven’t been able to get hold of a ticket this season (Image: Getty Images)Many Newcastle United fans haven’t been able to get hold of a ticket this season (Image: Getty Images)
Many Newcastle United fans haven’t been able to get hold of a ticket this season (Image: Getty Images)

“Our advice is simple, stick to buying from the trusted sources you know and have used previously.

“Fraudsters know the majority of people love a bargain and it’s common for them to use social media to advertise cut-price tickets, deals and discounts for sold-out events.

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“They might be offering a good deal, but we’d urge everyone to be alert and ask themselves – ‘is this deal too good to be true? Is this person from a reputable company or organisation? Please do not send any money to a complete stranger based on their word, it could be a scam.

Det Insp Thoburn added: “If this has happened to you, please do not be embarrassed or ashamed as fraudsters are experts at getting people to part with their cash and pretending to be someone else.

“We are committed to tackling fraud so please Report to Action Fraud using their website or by calling 0300 123 2040."