Key ticket scams to watch before Electric Picnic

With a 28% rise in purchase scams reported to Bank of Ireland in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year, the Bank is urging customers to be extra vigilant when buying tickets for popular concerts and festivals.

Electric Picnic coming soon

The warning comes ahead of Electric Picnic, the country’s largest gathering of music and arts from 28 – 30 August. Over 80,000 festival goers will attend the sold-out event.

Fraudsters are likely to target people searching for sold-out tickets and accommodation passes through fake ticket listings on social media, online marketplaces and unofficial resale websites.

Festival goers can protect themselves by using official resale or ticket transfer platforms, avoiding purchases through social media or private messaging apps, and taking time to verify sellers before making a payment.

What to look out for

• Tickets being offered at unusually low prices.
• Sellers looking for a quick sale.
• Pressure to act fast or pay immediately.
• Requests to move the purchase outside of an official ticketing resale platform.
• Sellers who can only provide screenshots as proof of purchase.
• Sellers unwilling to use official ticket transfer or resale facilities.
• Ticket adverts or offers appearing on social media or through unsolicited messages.
• Fraudsters use fake social media profiles, advertise non-existent accommodation passes, or sell the same ticket to multiple buyers.

Nicola Sadlier, Head of Fraud Protection, Bank of Ireland, said: “Electric Picnic is one of the most popular, unique events in the festival calendar. Tickets sell out months in advance, so demand for tickets is high and many fans will be looking for opportunities to secure tickets through resale channels. Fraudsters understand the excitement surrounding major events like this and often target fans who are keen not to miss out.

Whether you are buying tickets for Electric Picnic or any other major summer events, it is important to take your time and make sure you are buying from a trusted source.  If you are looking for tickets, stick to verified resale platforms and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

Stop, think and check before making a payment, this can help protect both your money and your festival plans.”

What to do

• Buy only through official ticket sellers or verified resale platforms.
• If you think you’ve been targeted, contact your bank immediately – the bank can try to stop the fraud and potentially recover funds.
• Bank of Ireland customers can call the Fraud Team 24/7, Freephone line 1800 946 764.

Bank of Ireland is the Official Banking Partner at Electric Picnic.  As part of the three-year collaboration, Bank of Ireland customers will have access to in-demand pre-sale tickets for Electric Picnic 2027.

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