The security giant has warned fans to exercise caution after it found touts and auction websites offering tickets for games that are not even scheduled to take place.
Douglas Greenwell, the company’s sales & marketing director, warned that the International Rugby Board’s rigorous identification system for the world cup could lead to disappointment for those buying from unofficial sources.
“If the ticket holder’s details do not match those of the purchaser they will be refused entry to the stadium,” he said.
“Buying tickets from unauthorised websites can lead to an increase in fraud, criminal activity and raises additional safety and security risks to all those attending the event.”
G4S said tickets for England’s forthcoming game against South Africa were being sold online at 733% of their face value and the average price for a seat at the final is thought to be over GB pound 965.
“Ultimately it’s in every consumer’s interest to purchase tickets from authorised outlets; this ensures they are paying the correct price and that the tickets actually exist in the first place,” said Greenwell
“Supporters purchasing tickets from unauthorised sources could be wasting significant sums of money.”