Danish festivals targeted by ticket scam network

Danish festivals are being targeted by a sophisticated scam network operating through at least 20 fake websites. These sites mimic official ticket transfer functions, tricking buyers into sending money directly to scammers instead of receiving valid tickets. The scheme exploits vulnerable individuals, including drug addicts who are coerced into providing their personal information and payment details to act as fronts for the fraudulent operations.

One individual, facing pressure to pay off drug debts, surrendered their payment card and MitID. This information was then used to create fake festival sites and a company named "Billet Portalen LLC," registered in Delaware on January 22. The use of Delaware as a registration point allows the true owners of the company to remain anonymous, obscuring the final recipients of the stolen funds.

This follows a similar scam targeting tickets for the Smukfest music festival, where a fake website "smuk-shoppen.dk" defrauded buyers. The scam typically begins on Facebook, with potential buyers seeking tickets and being directed to fraudulent links. Smukfest confirmed awareness of the issue and stated they report such incidents to the police.

Official figures from the Danish Consumer Council Tænk indicate a rise in ticket fraud. The organization reported 1,034 cases in 2024 and 632 in the first half of 2025. Senior legal advisor Ida Daarbak Reislev noted that the increasing number of cases suggests a growing problem, urging consumers to remain vigilant. She attributed the issue partly to an "inconvenient" resale market where pressured consumers make impulsive purchases.

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There is a market for resale that is not very appropriate because consumers are pressured and act impulsively.