A MAN has been arrested after reports of ticket fraud on social media.

Northumbria Police received a number of reports on Monday evening of tickets being sold on social media for events and music concerts only for the buyers to later discover the tickets did not exist.

Officers are currently speaking to a 28-year-old man who has been arrested in connection with the alleged fraud.

Enquiries are continuing and the public are asked to contact police if they believe they have fallen victim to any such scam.

Police urged the public to protect themselves against this type of cyber crime and offered these guidelines:

  • Anybody looking to purchase tickets should do so through the official venue box office, sports club, promoter or a reputable ticket exchange site.
  • If you do decide to purchase a ticket online then don't use payment methods that you are unfamiliar with.
  • Do not pay by sending cash, money transfers or money orders, particularly if it is a person that you don't know.
  • If you do choose to pay someone in this way then use a credit card as they offer greater protection than other methods.
  • Always make sure you double check the details of your ticket purchase before confirming payment and always ensure the payment page is genuine and secure.
  • Don't be tempted to reply to or click on links in emails and social media posts from sellers you don’t recognise, and don’t open attachments.

Anyone who feels they may have been a victim of online fraud can contact police on 101 or independent charity Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 20 40 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk