Ireland rugby fans have been told to “exercise extreme caution” after the IRFU reported a “significant increase” in fraudulent ticket sales for the Nations Championship and Six Nations, with only Ticketmaster and its Irish Rugby Account Manager platform authorized to sell valid tickets for the upcoming matches against Argentina, Fiji, South Africa, England and France.
The Irish Rugby Football Union issued the warning Wednesday after supporters discovered they had purchased fake digital tickets through unauthorized websites and social media advertisements, RTÉ reported. The fraud affects the autumn Tests and Six Nations fixtures at Aviva Stadium.
Which sellers are authorized to sell Ireland rugby tickets?
The IRFU named only two authorized sources: the Irish Rugby Account Manager platform through Ticketmaster, and Ticketmaster itself. “If a website claims to have Irish rugby tickets available but is not one of these authorised sources, supporters should avoid making a purchase,” said IRFU director of communications Aoife Clarke.
How are fake tickets being sold to fans?
Fraudulent sellers operate websites and social media ads that “appear legitimate at first glance” and “can be highly convincing,” often appearing prominently through online advertising channels, Clarke said. “We are seeing an increase in reports from supporters who have unknowingly purchased fraudulent digital tickets through websites and social media advertisements,” she said. Confirmation emails from these sellers lack key details including the entry route and seating allocation.
What happens if a fan buys a fake ticket?
Tickets obtained through unauthorized sellers will be invalid, and fans will not gain entry to Aviva Stadium. “If supporters have reason to believe their tickets are not genuine, we would strongly encourage them not to travel to Aviva Stadium on match day in the expectation of gaining entry,” Clarke said. “Taking action early is the best way to avoid further inconvenience and disappointment.”
Reporting fraudulent ticket purchases
The IRFU urges anyone who fears they purchased fraudulent tickets to contact their bank or card provider immediately to explore reversing or disputing the transaction, and to report the incident to An Garda Síochána. “Anyone who believes they may have fallen victim to ticket fraud should contact their bank as soon as possible and seek advice on recovering any funds paid,” Clarke added. “We understand how disappointing and frustrating this situation can be for supporters who are excited about attending an Ireland match.”
What action is being taken against the scammers?
The IRFU said it has been working with An Garda Síochána and other relevant authorities to have unauthorized sellers’ websites and advertisements removed.
Which Ireland matches are affected by the warnings?
The warning covers the upcoming Tests against Argentina, Fiji and South Africa, as well as the Six Nations showdowns with England and France. Ireland play Argentina on Friday at 8.10pm, with a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app and live commentary on RTÉ Radio 1’s Sport Extra.
Missing details in fake emails
What details are missing from fraudulent confirmation emails?
Confirmation emails from unauthorized sellers lack key ticket information, specifically the entry route and seating allocation that valid tickets include.
Which authority is working to remove the fake websites?
The IRFU has been working with An Garda Síochána and other relevant authorities to have unauthorized sellers’ websites and advertisements removed.
When does the Ireland v Argentina match start?
The match kicks off on Friday at 8.10pm, with live coverage on RTÉ.
Related reading