A music fan's dreams of seeing her idol live have been dashed by a dodgy website.
Diane Carter was expecting to spend Sunday night watching George Michael at the Earl's Court Arena, having bought tickets on the SOS Master Tickets website.
But the 41-year-old, of Walton Avenue, South Harrow, discovered last month the company had disappeared - along with her money and tickets.
She said: "I saw the link on a George Michael fansite as the show had sold out.
"The site looked similar to Ticketmaster and I spoke to them on the phone."
The mother-of-two paid £146 to the sham company on July 3 for two tickets and was told they would arrive within days.
A month later Mrs Carter phoned the company before she went on holiday to see where they were but was assured the tickets would arrive while she was away.
She said: "When I got back there was nothing. The website had disappeared and the phone number wasn't working.
"I phoned Earls Court and the woman said she was so sorry and told me it was a scam and people had been calling them up about it.
"I am so upset, it's now completely sold out and I've paid money for something I want so much."
"If he knew he would be shocked, as he is such a genuine guy.
"I've seen him twice before and he makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up."
Mrs Carter, who has followed George Michael since his WHAM! days, has even written to the singer to see whether he might be able to do something to help all the disgruntled fans.
She said: "It's a nice letter. I just said maybe he could do something or put on an extra date on for all the fans who have lost out.
"I also owe £70 to my friend. She has never seen him and she was really looking forward to it.
"If I could speak to the company again I would tell them what I thought of them and say they need to get my tickets."
Trading standards departments nationwide have received more than 600 complaints concerning SOS Master Tickets, which is based in Islington, North London.
A spokesperson from Brent and Harrow Trading Standards said: "The company has taken many thousands of pounds in ticket sales, which have not then been delivered to consumers. Several Harrow residents have made complaints through Consumer Direct, which have been referred to Brent and Harrow Trading Standards.
"It would appear that the company are now no longer contactable on the phone number previously provided.
"Trading Standards in Islington are currently investigating the activities of the business.
Trading Standards recommends people who have been victims of the website should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.
