FOOTBALL fans hoping to snap up a last minute ticket to the Euros are being warned by the police to watch out for ticket scammers.

Officers have issued a warning to those hoping to go to the 2016 European Football Championships in France to be wary about buying fake tickets.

The tournament kicks off tomorrow with the hosts taking on Romania, and many fans in Hampshire may try and grab last minute tickets to matches.

But police have said that those trying to get hold of last minute tickets are likely to be targeted by fraudsters posing as official sellers.

Purchasing tickets from an unauthorised seller or a ticket tout could leave fans out of pocket as they are advertised at inflated prices.

There is also a risk that tickets purchased from touts are counterfeit or do not exist and anyone with a counterfeit ticket will be refused entry to the tournament.

Those wanting to sell their tickets can do so through the resale platform, where tickets will be resold at face value.

Further information can be found on UEFA’s website, uefa.com.

People seeking to purchase tickets are advised to check the site regularly as tickets will be sold on a first come first serve basis and the site is likely to change regularly as different tickets become available.

Police are advising football fans to only purchase tickets from an authorised seller by using the exchange portal.

They have also said when using the exchange portal do not be encouraged to contact the seller privately and complete the transaction outside of the portal.

Residents should be wary of purchasing tickets from a social media account as there is a risk that the ticket does not exist or is a fake.

Buyers should consider conducting research on the information provided by the seller, for example a mobile phone number or email address used by the seller could alert you to any negative information associated to them online.

They should also avoid making payments through bank transfer or money transfer services, as the payment may not be recoverable.

Anyone who has been the victim of a ticket scam, or any scam, should report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or visit actionfraud.police.uk.