Avoid Ticket Scams in London: How to Buy Safe, Legit Tickets for Shows, Attractions, and Events

When you’re planning to see Avoid ticket scams, the practice of recognizing and preventing fraudulent ticket sales for events, attractions, and performances in London. Also known as ticket fraud, it’s something every visitor and local needs to know—because fake tickets cost time, money, and peace of mind. London’s biggest attractions, concerts, and comedy nights sell out fast. That’s exactly why scammers are waiting. They create fake websites that look real, use stolen photos of venues, and promise ‘exclusive’ or ‘last-minute’ deals. You click, you pay, and then you show up at the door—only to be turned away because your ticket is worthless.

Real tickets for the Changing of the Guard, the daily ceremonial event at Buckingham Palace that draws thousands of tourists don’t need to be bought online—they’re free. But if you’re trying to book ABBA Voyage, a digital concert experience at the O2 Arena using lifelike avatars of the band, or a show at the Globe Theatre, the reconstructed Elizabethan playhouse where Shakespeare’s works are performed, you’re dealing with paid events that scammers love to target. The most common trick? Selling tickets from unofficial resellers who never had them to begin with. Or worse—copying the official site’s design so closely you don’t realize you’re on a fake until it’s too late.

You can avoid this. Always buy directly from the venue’s official website. For the British Museum, Sky Garden, or any free attraction, never pay for entry—those are scams. For paid events like comedy nights, concerts, or theater, check the event page on the venue’s own site. Look for the padlock icon in the browser bar, and make sure the URL matches exactly—no extra letters or weird domains like .co.uk instead of .org. If a deal seems too good to be true—like £20 tickets to ABBA Voyage—it is. The official resale platform for most London events is AXS or Ticketmaster. Even if you’re buying from a third party, use platforms with buyer protection. And if you’re unsure? Call the venue. Staff know what’s real and what’s not.

This isn’t just about money. A fake ticket can ruin your whole day—or your trip. You might miss a show, waste hours waiting in line, or get stuck outside a venue while everyone else gets in. Worse, some scams steal your payment details and leave you dealing with identity theft. That’s why knowing how to spot a scam is just as important as knowing where to buy tickets.

Below, you’ll find real guides from Londoners who’ve been there—how to find free museum days without falling for fake offers, where to buy legit tickets for comedy nights, and how to tell if a London fashion pop-up is real or just a photo stolen from Instagram. These aren’t theory articles. They’re practical, tested advice from people who’ve learned the hard way. Skip the guesswork. Learn how to buy smart, so you never get scammed again.