Warning over adverts in national and international media

Police are warning the public about recent adverts that have appeared in national and international media selling tickets for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The adverts feature a mobile phone number or email address to contact for more information. However it is illegal to advertise or sell an Olympic or Paralympic Games ticket without permission from event organisers.

The warning comes from Operation Podium, the Metropolitan Police Service's team dedicated to tackling serious and organised crime against the Games.

Detective Superintendent Nick Downing from Operation Podium said:" Please do not attempt to buy tickets from adverts such as these as you risk paying over the odds for tickets that may not exist and your personal details may be stolen and used in other crimes.

"The safest way to buy tickets for the Olympic and Paralympic Games is from the London 2012 website. On this site you will find the most up to date information about tickets, future Olympic and Paralympic Games ticket sales and the London 2012 website checker."

If you have tried to buy a ticket as a result of an advert in national or international media please contact Operation Podium at OperationPodium@met.pnn.police.uk

For advice on safe ways to buy tickets for the London 2012 Games, visit the Operation Podium website.