Bank of Ireland is warning consumers to be aware of potential ticket scammers as the the music festival season swings into gear.

If hit by a scam, the advice for consumers is to act swiftly, Bank of Ireland cautions.

The bank said that scammers try to lure consumers by offering them tickets, often through a social media post or online advert.

They may focus on popular sold-out gigs, such as Taylor Swift's upcoming Dublin gigs, and consumers are asked to pay directly, sending money from their bank account to another via bank transfer, which provides little protection.

Once the payment is transferred, the seller usually cuts all contact, and the ticket never arrives.

Bank of Ireland said consumers should look out for tickets for sold-out gigs being offered for prices which are too good to be true as well as sellers offering a quick sale.

Scammers also do not give an opportunity to see the ticket in person and put pressure on a potential buyer to make a quick decision.

The bank also cautions against adverts or messages that pop up on your social media, adding that fraudsters can pay the social media companies to have their ads in front of you/

It said that if a person think they are target of a scam, they should contact their bank immediately so that the bank can try to take action to stop a fraud in progress and potentially recover funds.

Bank of Ireland customers can call the Fraud Team 24/7, on the Freephone line 1800 946 764.

Nicola Sadlier, Head of Fraud at Bank of Ireland, said that with Taylor Swift playing in Dublin this week and summer festivals kicking off, it is important that concert goers are alert to fraud.

She said that fraudsters are hoping your heart will overrule your head.

"They are counting on people being so keen to get to see their favourite artist play that they ignore the warning signs and take a chance on the offer of a ticket even if it sounds too good to be true," she explains.

"Never, ever take that chance. Our advice is when you are buying online, only buy items from reputable sites," she added.