People in Stone who are looking to apply for the London 2012 ticket ballot are being urged to only use the official channels or risk being scammed or sold a fake ticket.
The warning has been issued by the Metropolitan Police’s Operation Podium team. Detective Chief Inspector Nick Downing, who is in charge of Operation Podium, said: “The Olympic economy is potentially worth hundreds of thousands of pounds to organised criminals. Through conning you into buying fake tickets or by stealing your credit card details criminals can make a fortune at your expense and disappointment.
“Follow Podium’s advice and only buy from the official source and you will know that your ticket to the greatest sporting event in the world is genuine. Please read our advice and make sure you pass it on to your friends and family.”
Crime prevention advice:
The London 2012 ticket ballot opens on 15th March. The only official place to buy a ticket online is at www.tickets.london2012.com. You can get a paper application from any Lloyds TSB branch. You have until 26th April to apply for tickets through London2012 as it is not ‘first come first served’
If you get a ticket for an event you can’t attend, you can return your ticket and get a refund through the London 2012 official ticket exchange. Your ticket will then be officially resold
If you try and buy a ticket from an unauthorised website or tout, you risk being scammed, sold a fake ticket or not getting a ticket at all. Some criminals may also steal your personal and credit card details to use in other crimes
There are only three official providers for Games breaks and hospitality packages:
- Thomas Cook – www.thomascooklondon2012.com
- Prestige Travel – www.prestigeticketing.london2012.com
- Jet Set Travel – www.jetsetsports.com
Other websites or companies will not be authorised to sell you a ticket as part of a package. Always check the terms and conditions to see exactly what you are being sold.
If you find tickets for sale before the 15th March or any available from any unauthorised source at any time, don’t buy them. They are not genuine.
Report it to www.actionfraud.org.uk, London 2012 via brandprotection@london2012.com or your local police.
