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Sports

Football fans warned over World Cup ticket fraud with scammers poised to exploit high demand

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Football supporters have been issued a stark warning over a significant rise in ticket fraud, with new data revealing victims are losing an average of £215, as criminals prepare to exploit the upcoming World Cup.

Lloyds Bank’s analysis indicates a staggering 36 per cent surge in football ticket scams during the current Premier League season. The findings, based on thousands of fraud cases between October 2025 and March 2026 compared to the previous year, highlight a growing threat to fans.

Fraudsters are specifically targeting supporters of top-tier clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United, alongside high-demand fixtures such as the FA Cup and Champions League Finals.

While the average victim loses £215, some have been defrauded of hundreds or even thousands for non-existent “season tickets” or VIP packages.

With the upcoming World Cup, Lloyds anticipates a significant escalation in these fraudulent activities, exploiting international demand.

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Fifa has faced criticism over ticket prices
Fifa has faced criticism over ticket prices (Getty)

Many scams originate on social media, where criminals advertise phantom tickets, pressuring victims into irreversible bank transfers before vanishing.

Tactics include fake waiting lists, counterfeit QR codes, and bogus “pre-release” offers designed to part people from their money.

The higher cost of World Cup tickets, coupled with international travel expenses, means potential losses for victims could be devastating.

In response, the Government and Lloyds are collaborating on the “Stop! Think Fraud” campaign, led by the Home Office, to raise awareness among football supporters.

Liz Ziegler, fraud prevention director at Lloyds, said: “Fraudsters thrive on urgency and target fans looking for hard-to-get tickets for big name fixtures.” She added: “It’s incredibly convincing, and we don’t want fans to lose their money trying to support their team. We’re urging supporters to stay alert and stick to official ticketing channels.”

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Lord Hanson, minister for fraud, echoed this sentiment: “As excitement builds for the World Cup, fraudsters are preparing to exploit loyal fans searching for tickets.”

He urged: “I urge all football supporters hunting for tickets to Stop! Think Fraud and show fraudsters the red card.” He concluded: “Missing out on a big match is disappointing, but becoming a victim to a scam makes it even harder to bear.”

Earlier this year, the Government launched a new fraud strategy aimed at tackling the UK’s most commonly experienced crime.

To avoid falling victim to these scams, Ms Ziegler offers crucial advice:

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  • Take your time: Do not let the fear of missing out rush your decision. Stop, think, and verify if an offer is genuine.
  • Be cautious with social media adverts: Research thoroughly and consult trusted contacts before proceeding.
  • Beware of bank transfers: These are fast and hard to trace. Treat requests for bank transfers as a major warning sign, especially if account details do not match the seller’s name.
  • Question “too good to be true” offers: If an offer seems unrealistic, it probably is.
  • Use official channels: Always purchase tickets through official club channels or authorised sellers.
  • Be aware of AI: Professional-looking content, even with good layout and graphics, can still be fraudulent.
  • Recognise pressure tactics: Be wary of phrases like “lots of interest” or “I need to sell right now,” which scammers use to force hasty decisions.
  • Report fraud: Anyone who believes they have been a victim of fraud should report it to the police.

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Sports

Becky told her to STFU”, “They using u as clickbait

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Las Vegas Aces guard Chennedy Carter was much talked about recently after a recent social media post that shaded her role with the team and 2026 No. 1 pick Azzi Fudd.

Less than a day following the Aces’ 95-87 loss to the Dallas Wings on Thursday, Carter criticized Fudd, who arguably had her best game in the WNBA. The Wings rookie scored 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting in her first career start. The veteran guard added that she wanted her “leash” off, which seemed to be a shade in her playing time.

“Not to mention, I made her ankle touch the ground,” Carter wrote on Threads. “But y’all can hollar at me when my leash is off, too. It’s completely unfair, even though statistically, it’s not even close.”

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On Saturday, Carter said that she will have a break from social media following the criticism she received.

“30 day ban starting now, bc you drag situations. You’ll learn this app is a free app and fans dont own it!” Carter said.

Several people reacted to Carter’s latest Threads post, with one account saying that she might have been issued a warning by Aces coach Becky Hammon.

“Becky told her to STFU or is she is playing in Mexico soon,” the post said.

“They using u as clickbait, trying to get likes! Can’t wait until u show them! Ur come up, is close! Deals!” another fan wrote.

“This wasn’t even a situation until you said something. You’re a vet but are acting like a rookie maturity wise. You should acknowledge where Azzi had you in the game and use that to help you improve. Talent should recognize talent no matter what experience, stats, age, team, etc. You can stand up for yourself without shading other people,” a fan posted.

Amid the numerous criticisms of Carter, some fans expressed their support for the 5-foot-9 guard.

“Is the ban on fans or on yourself?” one fan replied.

“Girl why Azzi though? Most of her fans were rooting for you, too. You two are both great players who both have had their careers interrupted, but who we still believed in completely. And Lord knows that girl don’t bother nobody. Why Azzi mannn?” another fan said.

“Lil sis. Protect your peace. You’re having a career year and definitely on your way to being 6POY. Leave this social media alone and go get that ring, fam,” a fan commented.

Last month, Las Vegas signed Carter to a training camp contract. According to Spotrac, the deal was worth $277,500 for one year.

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Carter has played in all of the Aces’ seven games this season. She is averaging a career-high 19.1 points per game on 64.6% shooting, including 56.3% from 3-point range, 21.9 minutes off the bench. She is the team’s second-leading scorer behind four-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson and the league’s leader in bench points.


WNBA analyst addresses Chennedy Carter’s recent social media posts

WNBA analyst Grant Young of Sports Illustrated chimed in on what he described as a social media outburst by Chennedy Carter. Young doubled down on several of the fan comments that they felt like Carter had turned the corner in her first season with Las Vegas.

“The problem is that these questions had followed Chennedy throughout her career,” Young said. “And it makes it seem like she could not never get out of her own way. That’s why I find this disappointing, especially because for a while, it seems like Chennedy was finally making it that her basketball was the only thing people were talking about.”

Young added that throwing shots at Azzi Fudd was unnecessary, as the rookie had nothing to do with Carter’s role with the Aces. He also said that being frustrated with coaches is a normal occurrence in sports, but there was no need to air it publicly.

Las Vegas has brought back its championship core from last season, and Carter has filled the role of backup guard Dana Evans, who is recovering from a leg injury.

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