Gardaí are investigating alleged incidents of online fraud involving the resale of event tickets that are believed to have occurred in recent weeks.
The investigation follows reports on social media of people being scammed when trying to buy Electric Picnic tickets from third parties, with the festival set to take place in Co Laois from August 29 to 31.
Following a query by the Irish Examiner, gardaí said the force is “investigating alleged incidents of online fraud (alleged resale of event tickets) that are believed that have occurred in recent weeks”.
Gardaí are urging anyone who believes they may have been a victim of online fraud to report it in person or by phone at their local Garda station, or by calling the freephone Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
“It is important that people exert a great degree of caution if attempting to purchase tickets for a sold-out event through any third-party known or otherwise,” gardaí said.
“Do not trust that the tickets you believe you are purchasing are real. It is likely that they will not materialise and in fact, do not exist.
“Please do not send money through any app in advance.”
When asked about the scams, Electric Picnic organisers referred the Irish Examiner to anti-tout information on its website.
“If you see tickets for Electric Picnic advertised anywhere other than on Ticketmaster you stand a good chance of getting ripped off and possibly being refused entry,” it says.
“Festival Republic will be unable to assist you if you have bought from an unauthorised source, as we will have no purchase history available for the ticket.
“All event tickets are checked by our staff at entry to the event and again at the wristband exchange for camping shows – any forged tickets will be confiscated from you, you will not be permitted to the event and you may face questioning from the police.”
The festival does not use ‘Print at home’ tickets, and any tickets that are offered for sale fitting that description are a scam.
“A second common scam occurs when genuine tickets, have already been cancelled by the seller with Ticketmaster, and are then sold to an unsuspecting fan. These may appear to be genuine when received, but will not scan at the gates when you arrive on site.”
Organisers have warned people looking for tickets to follow their guidelines to avoid obtaining a suspect ticket:
Do not buy from an unofficial ticket agent. The only authorised ticket agent for Electric Picnic is Ticketmaster. Do not buy from internet auction sites.
Do not buy a ticket online without seeing its face value.
Do not pay more than the authorised standard booking fee per ticket. These are displayed on Ticketmaster.
If you live in Ireland do not buy from a website with an overseas office address or with no registered address shown.
Do not buy from another individual or tout, either in advance in your home town, or outside the event.