Race number transfer scam warning

England Athletics national Endurance Manager encourages you to be vigilant around race number transfer scams

Setting yourself a motivating target race can be a great way to keep your training on track and see you pushing your fitness forwards. However, you go onto a race website to secure your place and it's already sold out! All is not lost though as you look on the social media pages for the race and see runners who are no longer able to take part offering to transfer their numbers. 

A few quick messages and one PayPal transfer later and you sit back and wait for the next steps in the entry transfer, and you wait, and you wait…

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With the rise in popularity of road running we are seeing more sold-out races. Unfortunately, scammers are ready to take advantage and are finding new ways to target runners eager for entry.

One common scam involves fake listings for race entries on social media, where individuals claim they’ll transfer their race number for a fee. After receiving payment, they delete their profile, leaving the buyer without a race entry or a way to get their money back.

England Athletics and RunTogether would never recommend buying a bib number/entry from any other runner. Bib transfer should always be carried out involving the event organiser and seeking their advice on the process.

Here’s how to stay safe and avoid falling victim to these and other online scams.

Understand the risks of buying race numbers online

• Not all races allow the transfer of race numbers. Check the event’s official transfer policy, often available on the event website.
• Some runners buy entries through unofficial channels or simply swap numbers and end up with a non-transferable number, which can lead to disqualification from the race or even future events hosted by the same organization.
• Many race organizers strictly prohibit the transfer of numbers to preserve the integrity of results and ensure that emergency contacts and health information match the actual participant. Selling or buying non-transferable numbers can lead to a ban from future events. It makes life very difficult for the race organiser and puts you at risk as the race organiser has no details around your entry if a medical issue occurs in the race.

Use only official transfer channels

• Many races provide legitimate transfer options or waiting lists for race numbers. When possible, rely on these official channels to ensure a secure transfer.
• Avoid third-party platforms for purchasing race entries, especially if they don’t have a secure way of verifying the seller’s legitimacy.
• Some races publish an entry/participant list – if someone has offered to sell you their number, check to see if their name is on the list, but be aware this is not a fool-proof method as scammers are very good at impersonating other people

Beware of 'Friends and Family' payments on PayPal

• Scammers often ask for payments through PayPal’s 'Friends and Family' option. While this method avoids fees, it also lacks buyer protection. If the transaction goes wrong, you won’t have recourse through PayPal.
• Instead, use the 'Goods and Services' option, which provides payment protection for legitimate purchases. Though there may be a small fee, it can save you from losing a larger amount of money if things go wrong.

Watch out for social media red flags

• Fake profiles often have limited activity, few followers, or recently created accounts. Be cautious if the profile lacks typical details or if it has only a few friends or followers.
• Scammers often push for quick transactions, claiming someone else is interested or the number will go to the first payer. Avoid feeling pressured to send money immediately.

Seek third-party verification

• Ask the seller to verify their registration, like a confirmation email or race entry ID, before considering payment.
• If the race organizer offers assistance in validating number transfers, utilize this support to ensure the transaction is legitimate.
• If you are allowed to legitimately transfer entries consider asking within your own real world contact list and club network before looking online.

Trust your instincts and look out for warning signs

• Be cautious if a deal seems too good to be true or if the seller is evasive about details.
• Common scams include variations on asking for payment outside secure channels, refusing to provide proof of purchase, or rushing you into a transaction.
• Race numbers should be considered no different to buying a product or even gig tickets online; in a sport you love it's easy to let your guard down.

What to do if you’ve been scammed

• Report the scam to PayPal or your payment provider to flag the issue and potentially prevent future scams.
• Contact the race organizer and report the scam, as they may be able to help recover some funds or warn others.
• Share your experience with others to raise awareness and help other runners avoid similar situations.

Final thoughts

Protect yourself by following these tips and ensuring you only buy race entries from trusted sources. Running is a passion for so many - by spreading awareness of these common scams, we can protect our community and enjoy races with peace of mind.