Online Scams in Manchester, United Kingdom
Fraudulent booking sites, phishing, fake reviews, and digital cons targeting travelers. Below are the online scams scams reported in Manchester — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Hamburg, Marseille, and Munich.
Last updated: April 7, 2026
2
Online Scams Scams
15
Total in Manchester
How it works
Greater Manchester Police have issued repeated warnings about fake ticket listings on Facebook, Instagram, and X targeting high-demand events at Manchester venues including the AO Arena, Heaton Park, and the Co-op Live arena. Scammers create convincing listings using stolen artwork and claim to sell legitimate resale tickets, requesting bank transfer or PayPal Friends and Family payment which offers no purchase protection. Victims receive no tickets and cannot recover funds. The Oasis Heaton Park residency in 2025 generated a significant spike in fraudulent listings.
How it works
Fraudulent short-term rental and room listings appear on Facebook Marketplace targeting visitors seeking accommodation in Manchester, particularly around major event weekends. Scammers post photos of genuine properties, respond via WhatsApp, and request a deposit by bank transfer before the viewing. The property either does not exist, belongs to someone else, or the landlord disappears after receiving payment. Greater Manchester Police flagged this pattern specifically for Manchester in 2024 and 2025.
See all scams in Manchester
15 total warnings across all categories
More about Manchester