As London prepares for its spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks display, a stark warning has been issued to thousands of revellers planning to attend. Experts are urging the public to be on high alert for sophisticated last-minute ticket scams, with a particular focus on fraudulent 'ticket screenshots' being sold online.
The Rising Threat of Duplicate Ticket Scams
With demand for the Mayor of London's official fireworks event far exceeding the number of available tickets, opportunistic scammers are targeting desperate last-minute buyers. Travel specialists at Ski Vertigo have highlighted the recurring danger as huge crowds are expected to descend on the capital on 31st December 2025.
A spokesperson for the firm stated that the same pattern emerges annually. "We see people travel into London, realise official tickets are sold out, then take a chance on a screenshot sent in a DM or a so-called last-minute bargain," they explained. "Screenshots and copied QR codes are easy to duplicate. Often the buyer only finds out at the entrance."
City Hall has already confirmed that counterfeit tickets are being sold online at inflated prices. Authorities have stressed that only tickets purchased through the authorised outlet, Ticketmaster, will be accepted on the night. Anyone arriving without a valid ticket risks being turned away at the gates.
How the Scam Operates and Official Advice
The 'ticket screenshot' scam typically involves fraudsters sending an image of what appears to be a legitimate ticket or QR code. They pressure buyers to pay quickly, often using urgency tactics like claiming to have other interested parties. The critical flaw is that the same digital code can be sold to multiple victims.
This means only the first person to scan the code at the entry point will gain access, leaving everyone else who purchased the duplicate rejected and out of pocket. This issue contributed to significant crowding and delays during the 2023 celebrations.
Transport for London (TfL) has reinforced the warning, advising people not to travel to the fireworks area without a genuine ticket due to extensive crowd controls and restrictions around the Thames.
Protecting Yourself from Fraud
To avoid disappointment and financial loss, follow this essential advice:
- Treat any 'ticket screenshot' as high risk – if it's not from Ticketmaster, walk away.
- Be extremely wary of sellers using pressure tactics and never pay by bank transfer to a stranger.
- Only use protected payment methods when buying from official or trusted resale routes.
- If you don't have a valid ticket, make alternative plans such as watching the broadcast from a bar, restaurant, or organised party instead of travelling to the restricted zones.
The key message from experts is clear: plan your journey as you would for a major event, use only official channels, and remain vigilant to ensure your New Year's Eve celebrations are not ruined by scammers.
