Gardaí investigate Electric Picnic ticket scams following multiple reports

An Garda Siochana are investigating several reports of Electric Picnic ticket scams, Laois Live has reported.

Ireland's biggest music and arts festival weekend returns to Stradbally in Laois on August 29, with tickets all sold out, except for resale tickets.

Multiple scams have been reported to gardai, a spokesperson confirmed, as advice is issued to help people spot a ticket scam.

"We are investigating a number of reported Electric Picnic ticket scams. An investigation is underway," they said.

The Garda spokesperson advise the public on how to avoid getting caught, now easily done with instant money transfers. 

"We are advising people to be very cautious buying tickets away from official channels, and to only use official sites to buy tickets.

"People are going on a photograph of a ticket that could already have been sold. Be vigilant," the Laois Garda spokesperson said.

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Electric Picnic organisers Festival Republic also have advice on avoiding getting scammed.

"If you see tickets for Electric Picnic advertised anywhere other than on Ticketmaster you stand a good chance of getting ripped off and possibly being refused entry. The most usual reasons are listed below.

"Festival Republic will be unable to assist you if you have bought from an unauthorised source, as we will have no purchase history available for the ticket.

"All event tickets are checked by our staff at entry to the event and again at the wristband exchange for camping shows – any forged tickets will be confiscated from you, you will not be permitted to the event and you may face questioning from the police.

"We do not issue ‘Print at home’ tickets for Electric Picnic, any tickets that are offered for sale fitting that description are a scam.

"A second common scam occurs when genuine tickets, have already been cancelled by the seller with Ticketmaster, and are then sold to an unsuspecting fan. These may appear to be genuine when received, but will not scan at the
gates when you arrive on site. To be as safe as you can and to avoid obtaining a suspect ticket, follow these simple guidelines:

"Do not buy from an unofficial ticket agent – The only authorised ticket agent for Electric Picnic is Ticketmaster. Do not buy from internet auction sites. Do not buy a ticket online without seeing its face value. Do not pay more than the authorised standard booking fee per ticket. These are displayed on Ticketmaster. If you live in Ireland do not buy from a website with an overseas office address or with no registered address shown. Do not buy from another individual or tout, either in advance in your home town, or outside the event.

"If you ignore these pointers you are likely to pay a lot of money for something worthless as your ticket will be invalid."

Electric Picnic has an increased capacity of 80,000 for 2025. Headliners this year include Hozier, Sam Fender, Kings of Leon, Chappel Roan, Fat Boy Slim and Becky Hill.