As the highly anticipated Oasis reunion tour approaches, fans’ excitement has been dampened by a wave of ticket scams that have left many out of pocket. According to a shocking report from Lloyds Bank, desperate fans hoping to secure their spot at one of the band’s 17 outdoor UK shows in 2025 have lost an average of £346 each to fraudsters.
Scams Originate Primarily on Social Media
The bank’s analysis, which covered the period from August 27th, when the Gallagher brothers confirmed the reunion, to September 25th, revealed that over 90% of reported scams started with fake adverts and posts on social media platforms. A spokesperson for Lloyds stated that the total number of victims is likely significantly higher now.
Facebook, including its Marketplace feature, was identified as the primary origin point for the “vast majority” of these scams. This is despite Meta, Facebook’s parent company, explicitly prohibiting the sale of concert tickets on its platform.
Unofficial Oasis Ticket Groups Thrive on Facebook
A simple Facebook search reveals numerous unofficial groups dedicated to buying and selling Oasis tour tickets, many boasting tens of thousands of members. These groups continue to operate in violation of Meta’s commerce policy, providing fertile ground for scammers to target unsuspecting fans.
“A search of Facebook shows many unofficial groups with thousands of members buying and selling Oasis tickets. This goes against Meta’s policy banning concert ticket sales on the platform.”
– Lloyds Bank spokesperson
35-44 Year Olds Most Affected
Lloyds’ data also sheds light on the demographics most affected by these scams. Those aged between 35 and 44 were found to be the most likely targets, accounting for almost a third (31%) of all reported cases. Some victims lost up to £1,000 to the fraudsters.
Fans Spending More on Oasis Tickets Than Other Acts
The bank’s analysis also revealed that Oasis fans are spending significantly more on tickets compared to other popular acts. On the day tickets went on sale, fans spent an average of £563 per debit card transaction on a major UK ticket-selling site. In comparison, Taylor Swift fans spent an average of £342 when her UK tour tickets were released last year.
Meta Responds, But More Action Needed
In response to the findings, a Meta spokesperson stated that the company is “committed to protecting our users from fraudulent activities” and advised users to report suspected scam posts. However, with the scale of the problem and the ease with which scammers can operate on the platform, it’s clear that more proactive measures are needed.
Meta recently announced an expansion of a pilot scheme that involves UK banks sharing information with the social media giant to help combat fraud. NatWest and Metro Bank were the first to participate, with more banks expected to join in the coming months. While this is a step in the right direction, the effectiveness of this approach in preventing ticket scams specifically remains to be seen.
Tips for Fans to Protect Themselves
As the excitement builds for Oasis’ long-awaited return, fans must remain vigilant to avoid falling victim to ticket scams. Here are some tips to help protect yourself:
- Only purchase tickets from official, authorized sellers
- Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true
- Avoid buying tickets from individuals on social media, even in fan groups
- Use secure payment methods like credit cards, which offer more protection
- If scammed, report it to your bank and the platform where it occurred immediately
As the Oasis reunion tour draws closer, it’s crucial that fans, ticket sellers, social media platforms, and banks work together to combat the tide of scams. Only by staying informed, cautious, and proactive can we ensure that this long-awaited musical event is not marred by the actions of opportunistic fraudsters.
