Skip to main content
Financial Assistance Hub

Don’t drop the ball this footy season, look out for ticket scammers

Don’t drop the ball this footy season, look out for ticket scammers

3 March 2025

Download radio grabs from ABA CEO Anna Bligh here.

With the footy season kicking off, fans looking to get their hands on high demand or last-minute tickets are being urged to exercise extra vigilance and be on alert for ticket scams. 

The ABA is warning passionate supporters to not fall victim to ticket scammers – especially on social media platforms – with Aussies last year losing more than $26 million to buying and selling scams, including fake ticket sales.

ABA CEO Anna Bligh urged footy lovers to remain vigilant to dodgy ticket sales on fake websites and online marketplaces, especially in the lead up to sold-out or blockbuster games.

“Many of us are excited for the footy season to kick-off, however scammers are active and looking to take advantage of fans on the hunt for tickets,” Ms Bligh said.

“Scoring a fake ticket from a dodgy seller or website could leave you empty-handed and out of pocket. And, worst of all, you will be stuck outside the ground.

“It can often be a mad rush to get your hands on footy tickets. It pays to double check you’re not being fleeced by a ticket scammer.

“Don’t let a scammer cash in on your excitement and passion for footy – try to always purchase tickets from official ticketing websites or an authorised resale platform.

“If you are going to buy a ticket via social media, exercise extra caution, do due diligence and don’t transfer funds until you’re certain there will be an actual ticket at the end of it.

“While banks have ramped-up safeguards to protect you from scammers, customer vigilance is still important and is the best way to ensure your trip to the footy goes to plan.” 

Tips when buying tickets this footy season:

  • always try and purchase tickets from authorised ticket sellers or verified resellers
  • where possible, avoid buying those listed for sale on social media platforms and online marketplaces
  • look out for tickets that are heavily discounted
  • be wary if someone wants you to pay for a ticket via cryptocurrency or direct bank transfer
  • double check the legitimacy of websites and scrutinise emails or text messages encouraging you to purchase tickets.

For more information visit: https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/buying-products-and-services/buying-tickets-to-events

Contact: Benn Ayre | [email protected] | 0428 342 325
Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | www.ausbanking.org.au

Latest news

1 / 3
Transcript
ABA CEO Simon Birmingham on the economic contribution of banks: transcript of interview on FiveAA
17 March 2026

E&OE Radio Interview FiveAA Breakfast with David Penberthy and Will Goodings  17 March 2026.  Topics: Tax paid by Australian banks; RBA Powers to regulate big tech   David Penberthy (Host): Well, it’s a big amount of money, $16 billion that’s how much tax Australia’s biggest banks paid last year. And at the same time, organisations like Apple, Google and Meta, you think about the ease with which and the frequency with which we… Read more »

Read more
Op-Ed
Australian banks do the heavy lifting, our future prosperity relies on big tech pitching in too
16 March 2026

This opinion piece by ABA CEO Simon Birmingham originally appeared in the Australian Financial Review. In an attempt to avoid domestic regulatory scrutiny, large foreign multinationals have developed a curious rhetorical strategy.   The larger their footprint in Australia’s financial system becomes, the more strenuously they insist they are marginal, incidental or merely technical intermediaries.  For years, Apple has… Read more »

Read more
Media Releases
Banks to engage closely on proposed APRA changes to liquidity and capital
16 March 2026

The ABA acknowledges APRA’s proposed capital and liquidity changes. Australian banks share APRA’s commitment to maintaining a strong and resilient banking system. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said banks will work with APRA to ensure any enacted changes lead to real benefits for the economy and Australians. “Banks will carefully review the liquidity proposals and will… Read more »

Read more