With 500 days to go until the event itself and as tickets for the 2012 Olympics become available for residents to buy, people are being warned to only get them from official sites.

Authorities fear many fans will be conned or have their personal details stolen as they try to buy tickets from illegal outlets.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Downing, in charge of the Metropolitan Police’s Operation Podium, said: “London 2012 tickets will be in huge demand. This demand gives criminals greater opportunity to run scams, sell non-existent tickets and even steal your personal and credit card details to use in other crimes.

“Don’t let this happen to you. Follow our simple and easy advice to make sure the ticket you buy is real.”

The ticket application process opened today (March 15) and fans have until April 26 to apply through the Games’ organising committee LOCOG.

They are not allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

People are advised that the only ways to apply for tickets are via www.tickets.london2012.com or picking up a postal application at Lloyds TSB branches.