As excitement builds for the London Marathon on 26 April, scammers are attempting to cash in. They are trying to convince disappointed runners that they can still participate.
These fraudsters are preying on hopefuls who missed out on a place through the ballot. They often use running apps and social media to find potential victims.
The Scam: Selling Non-Transferable Entries
The scam typically involves someone claiming to be injured and offering to sell their marathon place. They may ask for around £79 via bank transfer, along with the victim’s full name and email address, promising to transfer the entry.
However, the London Marathon organisers have stated clearly that marathon entries are not transferable under any circumstances.
“It is a total fabrication for anyone to suggest that a TCS London Marathon place can be sold or transferred,” they said.
The organisers emphasise that places are strictly non-transferable for many reasons, including medical ones. The terms and conditions of entry explicitly prohibit participants from swapping places or allowing another person to use their bib number.
Red Flags: How to Spot the Fraud
There are several warning signs that indicate a potential scam. These include being asked to pay via bank transfer and poor spelling and grammar in communications.
An example of a scam message reads: “Hello everybody I’m still looking to sell my ticket, If anyone missed out on a spot in the marathon entry. I it and would like to transfer my registration.” It then provides a WhatsApp number to contact.
The scammer might claim the place was won in a ballot and can be changed on the marathon’s website after the victim sends their details and pays a fee. The actual entry fee is £79.99.
- Being asked to pay via bank transfer
- Poor spelling and grammar
- Promises to transfer entry details online after payment
Official Advice and Reporting
The organisers of the marathon advise signing up only through official channels. For most people, this means entering the ballot or running on behalf of a charity.
If you believe you have been defrauded, you can contact the London Marathon organisers through the official website and also report the fraud. It is important to log all interactions with the criminal.
Fitness app Strava prohibits deceiving, misleading, or defrauding others, or encouraging inauthentic interactions. Accounts violating these policies will be suspended, including those exploiting bib transfers to defraud others. Strava provides mechanisms to report profiles violating its policies on its site.
With excitement building for the event, it is crucial to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to these scams.