Fake Event Travel Package Scams via Email
How scammers sell non-existent travel packages bundling accommodation, transport, and tickets to major events, collecting full payment before delivering nothing.
Part of: Fake Event Travel Package Scams
Last reviewed: 8 June 2026
Major sporting events, music festivals, and cultural events generate strong demand for travel packages that bundle tickets with accommodation and transport. Scammers exploit this by advertising packages for events such as World Cup games, Formula 1 races, major music festivals, and international championships through email campaigns and social media.
The combination of high demand, elevated pricing, and the difficulty of sourcing all components independently makes these packages attractive. Victims pay in full well in advance, and only as the event approaches does it become clear that the tickets, hotel, or transport were never confirmed.
How this scam works on email
An email offers an exclusive package for a high-demand event — a stadium final, a championship race, a headline music festival. The package includes tickets, accommodation near the venue, and transfers, at a price that may be high but is presented as justified by the scarcity of genuine packages. Payment is requested in full, sometimes with a partial deposit to hold the booking.
As the event date approaches, communication from the operator becomes sporadic, then stops. Customers who call the phone number find it disconnected. The operator's website goes offline. Victims are left without tickets, accommodation, or any means of recovering their payment.
Common red flags
- Operator is not registered with a travel industry protection scheme (ATOL, ABTA in the UK)
- Package price is high but terms do not specify confirmed booking references with ticket suppliers
- Payment is requested in full upfront or by bank transfer
- Ticket component cannot be verified through the official event ticketing agency
- Operator has limited verifiable history beyond a recently created website and email presence
How to protect yourself
- Book event travel packages only through ATOL and ABTA-protected operators (UK) or equivalents in your country
- Verify ticket authenticity through the event's official ticketing agency using any provided reference
- Pay by credit card for Section 75 protection (UK) or standard chargeback rights
- Research the operator through consumer review forums before committing
- Obtain written confirmation of all booked components with verifiable reference numbers
How to report it
- Report to ATOL or ABTA if the operator claimed protection it did not have
- Report to Action Fraud (UK) or the FTC (US) at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- File a Section 75 or chargeback claim with your card issuer
Frequently asked questions
How do I verify an event travel package includes real tickets?
Ask for the booking reference and verify it directly through the event's official ticketing system or the venue's box office. If the operator cannot provide a verifiable reference, the tickets have not been secured.