TL;DR: On 17 September 2026 WA Consumer Protection warned that over $1,000 was lost to ticket scammers in Western Australia in early September alone. More than 80 per cent of ticket fraud losses last year occurred in the warmer months. Scammers post fake listings, ask for bank transfer or PayID payment, then block the buyer.

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What WA Consumer Protection said

In a warning dated 17 September 2026, WA Consumer Protection said over $1,000 was lost to ticket scammers in WA in early September alone. It added that more than 80 per cent of ticket fraud losses last year occurred in the warmer months, when more outdoor events are held.

Scammers post fake listings on social media and online marketplaces and ask to be paid by bank transfer or PayID. They typically use newly created profiles with minimal seller history, and block the buyer once the payment arrives. Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake advised: "Before paying for event tickets, stop and take a few minutes to check the seller is legitimate."

Red flags

How to buy tickets safely

Buy from verified resellers. If you must pay a private seller, the regulator recommends PayPal, but not the friends and family option, or a credit card, because both offer a degree of buyer protection that a bank transfer does not. Be wary of suspiciously low prices and of new accounts with no history.

If a payment has already gone, contact your bank at once. Our guide on what to do after a scam, wherever you live covers the first steps, how to reverse a wire transfer scam explains why transfers are hard to claw back, and bank impersonation scams in Australia covers another common Australian scam type.

Why summer is peak season

The regulator's figure that more than 80 per cent of last year's ticket fraud losses occurred in the warmer months fits the pattern: more outdoor concerts and festivals mean more demand, and more sold-out events that push buyers towards resale listings.

Sold-out events are where scammers do best. A buyer who has missed out is more willing to accept a listing at face value, and a fake seller can say that the tickets are being transferred by email and that other people are waiting. Take a few minutes before paying: look at how long the profile has existed, search the seller's name, and ask whether the event's official resale platform offers a safer route. If a seller refuses every payment method except a direct transfer, walk away.

Where to report

WA residents can report to WA ScamNet on 1300 30 40 54. Reports can also go to Scamwatch. Our guide on how to report a scam to Scamwatch lists what to have ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much was lost to ticket scams in WA in early September 2026?

WA Consumer Protection said over $1,000 was lost to ticket scammers in early September alone.

When do most ticket scams happen?

The regulator said more than 80 per cent of ticket fraud losses last year occurred in the warmer months.

Which payment methods are safer?

WA Consumer Protection suggests PayPal, but not the friends and family option, or a credit card for buyer protection. Scammers ask for bank transfer or PayID.

Where can I report a ticket scam in WA?

Report it to WA ScamNet on 1300 30 40 54, and to Scamwatch.

Sources

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