Beware of “too good to be true” deals popping up on social media platforms like facebook and Instagram. Scammers are increasingly targeting unsuspecting shoppers, leaving them out of pocket after falling for enticing offers.
While these platforms can be great places to discover new products and brands, it’s crucial to exercise caution. Be wary of unfamiliar sellers offering unbelievable discounts or products that seem too good to be true.
Remember to research sellers thoroughly before making a purchase, and always use secure payment methods. Be alert to red flags such as requests for payment outside the platform, pressure to make a fast decision, or poor grammar and spelling in communications.
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Charlie XCX is due to play next year Photo: Owen Humphreys/PA
Revolut has reported a 27 pc increase in concert ticket scams in Ireland in the second half of November.According to a recent consumer security report released by the app, a growing number of Christmas shoppers have fallen victim to social media scams that sell fake tickets to popular concerts.
“We know that for youngsters in particular,tickets for some of next year’s hottest concerts would make thier Christmas. However, these are naturally hard to come by and we urge our customers to be cautious when on the hunt for gig tickets around this time of year,” said David Eborne, head of Fraud Operations at Revolut.
“Sadly, criminals capitalise on the scarcity of these tickets and people’s fear of missing out — therefore avoid panic buying when doing any last-minute Christmas shopping and only purchase tickets from trusted ticketing platforms that offer their own protections against fraudulent sellers.”
Among the scams reported,Facebook accounted for 41.5 pc, X saw 18.8 pc and Instagram saw 7.3% pc scam sales. People aged 17 to 34 were found to be most likely to fall victim.
According to Revolut, scammers are most often impractical to meet in person and prefer to make deals online instead of meeting buyers in person.
They use unofficial sites or social media marketplaces to avoid verification. In some cases, scammers sell fake tickets at ‘too good to be true’ prices, making an attempt to get victims to transfer money quickly.
Major acts, including Oasis, The script, Justin Timberlake and Charlie XCX are all playing concerts across Ireland in 2025.
With nearly 27 pc of Irish shoppers surveyed by research company Dynata admitting to go over budget this Christmas, the app warns users against using unofficial websites and social media pages to make their purchases.
## Archyde Interview: Navigating the Rise of Social Media Shopping scams
Welcome back to Archyde Insights. With the holiday season in full swing,we’re seeing an alarming increase in online scams,notably those targeting shoppers on social media platforms.
Today, we’re joined by **Lisa johnson**, a cybersecurity expert and consumer advocate, to discuss this concerning trend and offer tips to protect yourself from falling victim.
**Lisa, thank you for joining us today.**
**Lisa Johnson:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Let’s dive right in. We’ve seen reports of a surge in social media shopping scams, especially during the holiday season. Can you shed some light on why this is happening?**
**Lisa:** Absolutely. There are several factors at play here. First, social media platforms have become major hubs for online shopping, offering convenience and a wider selection of products. Unfortunately, scammers leverage this popularity to set up fake shops and prey on unsuspecting shoppers.
Second, the holiday season naturally intensifies consumer spending, creating a perfect storm for scammers who exploit the excitement and urgency of gift-buying. People are more likely to make impulse purchases and overlook red flags when they’re feeling pressured to find the perfect gifts within a limited time frame.
**What are some red flags consumers should watch out for to avoid falling victim to these scams?**
**Lisa:**
* **Deals that seem too good to be true:** If an offer seems unbelievably cheap or promises unrealistic discounts, be highly skeptical.
* **Unfamiliar sellers or brands:** Always research sellers thoroughly before making a purchase, checking their reputation and customer reviews on reputable platforms.
* **Requests for payment outside the platform:** Legitimate sellers rarely ask for payment through methods like wire transfers or gift cards.Stick to secure payment gateways offered by the platform itself.
* **Pressure tactics:** Scammers often use high-pressure tactics, urging you to make a speedy decision before the offer disappears. Don’t let yourself be rushed into a purchase. Take your time to evaluate the seller and the offer.
* **Poor grammar and spelling in dialog:** Be wary of sellers who communicate with unprofessional language,littered with grammatical errors and typos.
**That’s valuable advice. What steps can consumers take to protect themselves beyond being aware of red flags?**
**Lisa:**
* **Be cautious about clicking on unsolicited links or advertisements:** Scammers frequently enough use malicious links disguised as legitimate offers. Double-check the URL and avoid clicking on anything suspicious.
* **Use strong,unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication:** This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts,making it harder for scammers to gain access.
* **Report suspicious activity:** If you encounter a potential scam, report it to the platform where it occurred and to relevant authorities. This helps protect others from falling victim.
**Any final thoughts for our viewers eager to enjoy a safe and successful holiday shopping experience?**
**Lisa:**
Remember, being a responsible online shopper means being a cautious one. Take your time, do your research, and trust your instincts. If something feels wrong,it problably is. happy and safe shopping!
**Thank you, Lisa, for these valuable insights. We hope this interview helps our viewers stay safe this holiday season.**
This text appears to be an article discussing a rise in social media shopping scams, particularly targeting concert ticket sales. Here’s a breakdown:
**Key Points:**
* **Surge in Concert Ticket Scams:** Fintech company Revolut reports a 27% increase in concert ticket scams in ireland during late November. This coincides with Christmas shopping and high demand for tickets to popular artists performing in 2025.
* **Scammers Target Young Consumers:** People aged 17-34 are most susceptible to these scams, likely due to their enthusiasm for popular music and willingness to use social media for purchasing.
* **Social Media Platforms Used:** Scammers frequently enough operate through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, creating fake profiles or utilizing unofficial marketplaces.
* **Low prices and “Too Good to Be true” Deals:** Criminals lure victims with unbelievably low prices, pressuring them to make quick payments before realizing the tickets are fake.
* **Avoiding In-Person Meetings:** scammers generally prefer online transactions, avoiding physical meetings to remain anonymous and harder to track.
* **Consumer Protection Warnings:** revolut urges customers to be cautious when purchasing tickets online, especially from unofficial platforms, and emphasizes the importance of using trusted ticketing providers.
**Advice and Tips:**
The article implicitly suggests the following advice for consumers:
* **Buy from Reputable Sources:** Stick to well-known and official ticket vendors,avoiding unofficial marketplaces or individuals selling tickets on social media.
* **Beware of Unrealistically Low Prices:** If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be skeptical of tickets offered at significantly lower prices than market value.
* **Don’t Rush into Purchases:** Take your time to research the seller and verify their legitimacy before making any payments.
* **Use Secure Payment methods:** Opt for secure payment options like credit cards, wich offer some buyer protection against fraud.
* **Be Aware of Red Flags:** Look for unprofessional website designs, poor grammer, typos, or requests for payment via unconventional methods (like wire transfers or gift cards) as potential warning signs.
**Interview Introduction:**
The text transitions into an interview with cybersecurity expert Lisa Johnson,likely to dive deeper into these scams,explore prevention strategies,and offer expert advice to readers.
**Please clarify if you would like** me to analyse the remaining portion of the interview with Lisa Johnson or focus on a specific aspect of this article.
