StubHub Ticket Scam UK: How to Spot Fake Sellers and Protect Your Money
Scammers are selling fake event tickets on StubHub — here's how to spot them and protect your money.
What is this scam?
The StubHub ticket scam involves fraudsters either posing as sellers on the genuine StubHub platform or creating lookalike websites to trick buyers. Scammers list event tickets (concerts, sports, theatre) at appealing prices, then disappear after payment or send fake tickets. Some create urgent pressure by claiming tickets are selling fast. Others set up fake checkout pages that look identical to StubHub, capturing your payment card details and personal information. The victim either never receives tickets, receives invalid barcodes, or discovers on event day that their ticket is a duplicate or forgery.
This scam is particularly common for high-demand events — major football matches, music festivals, and West End theatre shows are frequent targets. Losses typically range from £20 to several hundred pounds per transaction, and some victims buy multiple tickets.
Warning signs to look for
- The seller offers a price significantly lower than other listings for the same event — typically 30–50% below market rate.
- The StubHub website URL looks slightly wrong (e.g., stubhub-uk.com or stubs-hub.co.uk instead of stubhub.com) — check it carefully.
- You're asked to pay outside the StubHub platform (via bank transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency) rather than through their secure checkout.
- The seller demands immediate payment and threatens to sell to another buyer if you don't pay within minutes.
- The seller's account has few reviews, no history, or reviews that seem fake (identical wording, recently created accounts).
- The email confirmation doesn't come from an official StubHub domain (@stubhub.com) or contains spelling errors and awkward phrasing.
- You're sent a PDF or image file instead of a proper ticket barcode delivered through the StubHub app or account.
- The seller refuses to answer questions about ticket location, refund policy, or delivery method.
How this scam works step by step
The scam typically begins when you search for tickets to a popular event. You see a listing on what appears to be StubHub — either a fake website or a fraudulent seller account on the real site — with prices too good to resist. The scammer creates urgency by noting 'only 2 left' or 'selling fast'. When you click to buy, you're either redirected to a fake payment page that captures your card details, or you complete the transaction thinking you're buying through StubHub. At this stage, your payment card information and address are in the scammer's hands.
You may receive a fake confirmation email with a PDF 'ticket' that contains either a random barcode or a duplicate of a real ticket already in circulation. On event day, you arrive at the venue and your barcode is rejected at the gate — either it's invalid, already been used, or never existed. Meanwhile, the scammer has either sold your card details on the dark web or made fraudulent purchases in your name. By the time you realise the ticket is fake, the scammer's account has been deleted or the fake website has disappeared.
How to verify if it is genuine
Before buying tickets, always visit stubhub.com directly — don't click links from emails or ads. Check the seller's profile carefully: genuine high-volume sellers have extensive histories and detailed reviews from real accounts. Look at the ticket delivery method: StubHub always delivers tickets through your account dashboard or their mobile app, never as PDF attachments via email. Verify the price against other listings for the same event — if it's dramatically cheaper, assume it's fake. Check the seller's location and language: UK-based scammers often pose as international sellers to create distance.
If you're unsure, contact StubHub's customer service directly via their official website before purchasing. For guidance on spotting fake websites generally, see our guide on Is This Website a Scam? A Practical Checklist Before You Buy. Never enter your payment details on any website unless you've verified the URL is exactly correct — scammers register domains like 'stubhub-tickets.co.uk' that look genuine at a glance. If a seller requests payment outside StubHub, it is definitely a scam.
What to do if you have already interacted
If you've already paid for tickets, act immediately. First, contact StubHub customer support through your account or their official phone number to report the seller and freeze the transaction if possible — some purchases can be cancelled within minutes. Second, contact your bank or card issuer within 24 hours and request a chargeback or refund, citing fraud. Have your order confirmation, screenshots of the listing, and the fake ticket ready to show them.
If you provided your personal data (address, date of birth, national insurance number), monitor your credit file using services like Clearscore or Experian Check My File — set up fraud alerts if available. Change your password for StubHub and any other platforms using the same password. If the scammer has your full card details, request a replacement card from your bank and watch your statement for suspicious transactions over the next three months. Do not attempt to contact the seller yourself — they've already proven they're a fraudster and engaging may compromise any refund process.
Report the scam to Action Fraud immediately (see below).
Reporting this scam in the UK
Report the scam to Action Fraud as soon as possible on 0300 123 2040 or via their online reporting tool at actionfraud.police.uk. Provide your order number, screenshots of the listing and fake ticket, and the seller's account details. If you received a fake confirmation email, forward it to the NCSC Suspicious Email Reporting Service at report@phishing.gov.uk — this helps them take down lookalike websites and phishing pages. If the fraud involved a text message or SMS link, forward it to 7726. Contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 if you need guidance on your rights or next steps.
Report the seller's account or listing directly to StubHub through their platform — use the 'Report Seller' or 'Report Listing' option on their website. Keep all evidence: screenshots, emails, payment confirmations, and correspondence with your bank. These details support both fraud investigations and your chargeback claim. If the scammer created a fake StubHub website, also report the domain to StubHub's legal team by emailing legal@stubhub.com with the fake URL and your evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Is StubHub itself a legitimate platform, or is it always a scam?
StubHub is a legitimate, regulated resale platform owned by eBay and used safely by millions worldwide, including in the UK. However, like any marketplace, it hosts both genuine sellers and fraudsters. The scam occurs when criminals impersonate sellers on the real platform or create fake StubHub websites. Always buy directly through stubhub.com and verify the seller's credentials before purchasing.
What should I do if I've already sent money for fake tickets?
Contact your bank or card issuer immediately to request a chargeback — you have strong grounds since you received fraudulent goods. At the same time, report the seller to StubHub and file a report with Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Many banks can freeze or reverse transactions within 24 hours if you report quickly. Do not attempt to contact the scammer or try to buy 'real' tickets from them as compensation.
Can I get my money back if I've already used the fake ticket at the event?
Possibly, but it's more difficult. Your bank may still process a chargeback if you can prove the ticket was counterfeit or invalid at the gate — keep your receipt and take photos of the rejected barcode at the venue as evidence. Report the scam to StubHub immediately with this proof. However, chargebacks are easier to win if you report within 24 hours of payment. If significant time has passed, contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 for guidance on your specific rights.
How do I report a StubHub ticket scam to the authorities?
Report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at actionfraud.police.uk with your order details and screenshots. Forward any phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and SMS links to 7726. Report the seller directly to StubHub through their platform. Your bank or card issuer will also open an internal fraud investigation when you request a chargeback. Each report helps authorities track scammer networks and take down fake websites.