A woman who travelled thousands of miles determined to catch superstar George Michael's farewell tour has been the victim of a major ticket scam.

Devastated Lisa King, 40, spent £265 with an internet ticket company to see her pop idol's 25th anniversary concert at Earl's Court over the Bank Holiday weekend.

But the tickets never arrived – and when she checked the supplier, SOS Master Ticket Ltd, the company had disappeared without trace.

"I felt such a fool," said Lisa, who is one of a huge number of people nationally to be cheated by SOS over recent festival and concert tickets.

She travelled to England from her native Australia 12 months ago.
A huge fan of George Michael since her teens, her "top priority" was to see the star in concert before he bowed out from live performances for good.

"I've bought things over the internet before and I thought it was safe if the company looked professional and had an address. This company seemed fine to me," she said.

"They had a proper London address and they even sent me an email receipt."

When the tickets failed to come Lisa tried to call SOS, but couldn't get a reply. Then she tried to check back on the website, but found it inaccessible.

"Even worse than losing £265 was losing my chance to see George Michael," she told the Citizen.

"There was no way I could have afforded another ticket."
Lisa is now resigned to buying a CD of the concert instead.


But she has reported the company to Milton Keynes Council's trading standards department.

The council's consumer watchdogs advise internet purchasers to always use a credit card as the issuing companies can reimburse the payment if the company disappears.

They also advise caution when giving out credit or debit card details on the internet, and urge customers to try to trade only with well-known or personally-recommended companies.
Anyone who has been the victim of a similar scam can contact trading standards experts via Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

>> Have you had a problem with tickets you've bought over the internet? Share your experiences by emailing feedback@mkcitizen.co.uk