Staying safe on-line - that's the ticket!

Royal Borough trading standards officers are warning residents to beware of scam websites when buying tickets for concerts, shows and sporting events.

Recent news that scammers are already offering tickets for the 2012 London Olympics, when genuine tickets haven't even gone on sale yet, highlights the hazards that internet users face when looking for tickets for that 'must see' event.

Cllr Phill Bicknell, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: "If the concert or match that you want to go to has sold out then it's highly likely that any website offering tickets for it is a scam.

"Always check out new websites by entering their details into a search engine or social network site and only use your debit or credit card on sites which have a padlock symbol or make sure the website address begins with an https prefix.

"Research shows that one person in 12 is scammed when trying to buy tickets on-line so it is vital to take precautions before using your debit or credit card on a website you haven't used before."

Trading standards have the following tips:

• use your credit card for tickets costing over £100 each as your credit card company is responsible if there's a problem with the website.
• only use websites which have the geographical address of the business behind it, not just a PO box number, along with a UK landline telephone number. UK businesses should also show their VAT number somewhere on the site.

Olympic tickets go on sale on 15 March but only if bought through the official website, www.london2012.com can you guarantee that they will be genuine.

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