Ed Sheeran fans eager to attend his upcoming concerts in Ipswich have been warned about potential scammers selling fraudulent tickets on social media. The beloved singer-songwriter is set to perform three concerts at Portman Road on July 11, 12, and 13, 2025, which has sparked a frenzy among fans looking to secure tickets.
As excitement builds for these highly anticipated shows, Suffolk Trading Standards has issued a warning to concert-goers to be vigilant against scams. The warning comes after reports surfaced of individuals attempting to sell tickets online shortly after the pre-sale began on May 7, 2025. These scammers have been promoting tickets for sale, claiming they could no longer attend the event due to "work clashes" or shifting plans.
Tickets for the concerts were made available to fans who pre-ordered Sheeran's upcoming album, "Play," or signed up for free via his official website. Meanwhile, Ipswich Town season ticket holders enjoyed an exclusive sale on May 8, 2025, before the general sale commenced on May 9, 2025. However, the tickets sold out rapidly, with reports indicating they were gone within an hour of the general sale starting.
The singer, who is a lifelong supporter of Ipswich Town FC, will be joined by special guests each night, including Myles Smith and Tori Kelly on July 11, Busted and Dylan on July 12, and James Blunt and Maisie Peters on July 13. Ticket prices ranged from £95 to £190, with a strict limit of six tickets per person during the official sales.
Despite the official ticket sales, the BBC discovered at least seven social media profiles advertising tickets they claimed were available. In an effort to investigate, the BBC created a pseudonymous profile on X (formerly Twitter) and engaged with these sellers. All sellers provided the same screenshot purporting to be a purchase confirmation email, raising suspicions about their legitimacy.
When pressed for proof, one seller claimed, "There's a lot of people that would have screenshots of my tickets that I posted earlier. They stole my screenshot and are using that to take people's money." Each seller insisted they would use Ticketmaster's ticket transfer scheme, which is not available for the Sheeran concerts.
According to Sheeran's official ticket policy, e-tickets for the shows will not be sent out until closer to the concert dates. The policy explicitly forbids any reselling not conducted through official face value resale platforms. A spokesperson for Kilimanjaro Live and Communion One, the event's promoters, reiterated that ticket transferability is not currently enabled, meaning any attempt to sell tickets through unofficial channels is fraudulent.
Sasha Watson from Suffolk Trading Standards expressed concern about the number of scams expected in relation to Sheeran's concerts. "Straight after the pre-sale tickets going on sale, we saw people attempting to sell 'extra' tickets or tickets they can no longer use, but these are fraudulent," she stated. Watson advised fans to refrain from purchasing tickets via social media, as many are blinded by their desire to attend the concerts.
In a statement, Ticketmaster confirmed that the ticket transfer scheme for Sheeran's concerts is not available, further emphasizing the need for fans to purchase tickets only from official sources. The spokesperson commented, "We would always recommend fans only ever buy tickets from official sources and avoid buying from individuals on social media to protect themselves from ticketing scams."
Ed Sheeran's return to Ipswich is particularly significant, as the singer grew up in nearby Framlingham, and these concerts are seen as a homecoming. The announcement of the shows has generated a buzz among fans, many of whom expressed their excitement on social media.
Sheeran, who has sold over 150 million records worldwide, is known for his chart-topping hits and engaging performances. His new album, "Play," is set to be released on September 12, 2025, marking a new phase in his career. The pre-sale for tickets was available to fans who pre-ordered the album, which has only heightened interest in the concerts.
As the concert dates approach, fans are encouraged to remain cautious and informed about ticket purchasing. The excitement surrounding Ed Sheeran's shows at Portman Road is palpable, but the risk of falling victim to scams is a serious concern. By adhering to official channels for ticket purchases, fans can ensure they secure their place at what promises to be an unforgettable series of performances.
With the summer tour just around the corner, Sheeran's fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to see him perform live once again. As the music industry continues to recover from the pandemic, events like these offer a much-needed opportunity for fans to connect with their favorite artists and enjoy live music once more.
In summary, as Ed Sheeran prepares to light up Ipswich with his homecoming concerts, fans must stay vigilant against ticket scams. The excitement is building, but so are the risks. By sticking to official ticket vendors and avoiding dubious offers on social media, fans can enjoy the thrill of attending these shows without the worry of being scammed.
