South West ticket fraud reports rise by 138%

A Freedom of Information request sent by Lucia to Action Fraud revealed that ticket fraud reports have risen by a staggering 138% in the Southwest from 2021 to 2023. The years 2022-2023 also saw a high increase by 81%.

Altogether in the South West there were 247 reports in 2021, this rose to 359 in 2022, and to 651 in 2023 showing a strong year on year rise. In the most up to date 2024 figures (Jan-May) there have been 241 reports.

Looking into the regions police forces, Devon & Cornwall saw the biggest surge from 2021 to 2023 (129%), Gloucestershire was second (121%), and Avon & Somerset was third (98%).

Wiltshire saw the smallest increase overall (38%).

Looking at the demographic details of the reports made from 2021 to May 2024 in the South West, 624 came from females, 519 came from males and 118 were classed as unknown. Altogether 49% were females.

Interestingly, Gloucestershire was the only police force that had more reports from males than females.

Looking at the victim age group statistics, the most common age group that were victims in the Southwest were 20-29. Wiltshire was the only force that was different with an average age group of 30-39.

Sadly, in Devon & Cornwall one victim was a child aged between 0-9.

Across the entire region 107 victims were children/ young adults aged between 10 and 19.

Moving onto the monetary details. The South West had an average loss of £548 between 2021 and May 2024.

In terms of police forces, Wiltshire Police saw the highest overall average loss (£736), Devon & Cornwall was second (£586), and Gloucestershire was third (£518).

Dorset police saw the lowest average loss in the region (£400).

When considering the highest loss, Devon & Cornwall Police was at the top reporting a loss of £30,000. Wiltshire had the second-highest loss (£12,000) and Avon & Somerset came third reporting a loss of £10,000.

Speaking on the findings, Georgina Pellant from Lucia said, “the findings are really shocking, especially the fact that it’s such a big rise in the South West.

“It’s really easy to fall victim, all it takes is a small drop in focus, maybe a busy day, or you’re feeling tired, and you can lose a lot of money, no matter how fraud savvy you are.

“The fact that children, under the age of 10, are also falling victim means we don’t just have to be mindful of our own activities, but also our family and even kids.

“I urge people to be careful, always think twice, use trusted sources, never rush, and remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it most often is.”