Getting scammed out of money for concert tickets can be extremely frustrating and disheartening. Concert scams typically involve someone selling fake or non-existent tickets, or tricking you into sending money without delivering the tickets. While getting your money back can be difficult, it’s not always impossible. Here are some tips on how to get your money back after a concert ticket scam.
How concert ticket scams work
Concert ticket scammers use a variety of methods to trick people. Some common scams include:
– Selling tickets they don’t actually have. The scammer posts fake concert listings online or responds to ticket requests, accepts payment, then disappears.
– Selling fake or duplicated tickets. The scammer sends counterfeit tickets that won’t get you into the venue.
– Selling tickets they’ve already sold to someone else. This involves selling the same ticket to multiple buyers.
– Phishing for personal information. The scammer requests personal information like credit card details to “verify your identity” then steals your information.
– Posting extremely low prices on third-party sites like Craigslist to attract attention. Once contacted, they provide convincing reasons why you need to pay through untraceable means like wire transfer.
Watch out for red flags
Some signs that a concert ticket seller may be a scammer:
– Extremely low prices, way below face value. This is often done to lure unsuspecting buyers.
– Only accepting untraceable payment like wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Avoid these if possible.
– Communications feel “off” – improper grammar, excessive flattery, rushing the transaction.
– Unwilling or unable to provide proof of ticket ownership. Legitimate resellers will show a receipt or ticket barcode.
– Aggressive demands for personal information like photo ID or credit card numbers. Never provide these.
Trust your gut. If something seems questionable, walk away.
Steps to get your money back
If you’ve fallen victim to a concert ticket scam, here are some steps to try getting your funds returned:
1. Contact your bank immediately
If you paid by credit or debit card, call your bank right away. Explain that you paid for goods or services that were not delivered as promised. This is known as a “services not rendered” dispute.
Request that they do a chargeback to reverse the charges and refund your money. Act fast, as many card providers have time limits on chargebacks of 90-120 days from the transaction date. Provide any evidence you have, like emails or screenshots of the fraudulent interaction.
2. Dispute the charges through PayPal
If you paid via PayPal, log into your account and open a dispute. Select the transaction, choose “Item not received” as the reason, and provide a description.
PayPal typically reviews claims within 10 days and may request additional information. Make sure to respond promptly during the process. If they find in your favor, you’ll be refunded.
3. Report the seller
Wherever you interacted with the scammer, report their profile. On sites like Craigslist or eBay, you can flag suspicious users to get their accounts reviewed or removed.
Social networks like Facebook also allow you to report scammers impersonating real people or businesses. The more people report them, the quicker their accounts can get shut down to prevent future victims.
4. Leave negative feedback
After reporting the seller, leave negative feedback about your experience on their profile page. This helps warn other users about potential scams. If the scammer advertised on a reputable ticket resale marketplace, inform the site about what happened.
Platform | How to Leave Feedback |
---|---|
eBay | Go to My eBay > Purchase history, select the order, and choose Leave feedback |
Craigslist | Go to My account > Postings > Select listing > Click Flag as prohibited > Choose Prohibited: Scam or fraud |
Go to the seller’s profile > Click the 3 dots icon > Select Give Feedback |
5. Report the scam to authorities
You can report the scam to your local police department or file a complaint with government consumer protection agencies:
– Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – www.ftc.gov
– FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center – www.ic3.gov
– State attorney general’s office
Provide copies of all evidence like emails, screenshots, and transaction records. Law enforcement may not be able to recover your funds, but reporting scams helps them build cases and stop repeat offenders.
6. Leave online reviews
Post reviews warning others about the scam on consumer review sites like Yelp, BBB, or Google Business. Include keywords like “scam” or “fraud” so the business gets flagged in searches. The more visibility the scam gets, the less likely others will fall victim.
7. Consult a lawyer
For large amounts of money lost, consulting a lawyer may be worthwhile. An attorney can review your case specifics and let you know if legal action to recover damages is a viable option. They may send official letters to the scammer demanding repayment.
Lawyers may get involved on contingency, taking a portion of recovered funds as their fee. But be cautious of upfront fees unless they guarantee significant progress.
How to avoid concert ticket scams
While getting scammed can happen to anyone, you can avoid many scams by being an informed buyer. Useful tips include:
Use reputable ticket sellers
Stick to well-known vendors like Ticketmaster or trusted resale marketplaces like StubHub. Avoid sellers you can’t easily verify. Check site reviews and look for signs of legitimacy like customer service numbers, street addresses, and satisfied customer reviews.
Watch for “too good to be true” prices
Extremely low prices are red flags for scams. Tickets well under face value or market average are highly suspect.
Google the seller
Search for the website name, phone number, and other contact info. Match it against scam reports and reviews. Be wary if little info comes up.
Meet in person for exchanges
Don’t buy from sellers unwilling to meet you onsite. Never send money without seeing the tickets first. Verify legitimacy by scanning barcodes before paying.
Avoid wire transfers or gift cards
Never pay unverified sellers with untraceable methods like these. Use secure payments through the seller’s website or services like PayPal.
Look for site security
Reputable ticket sellers have secure checkout via https and SSL encryption. The web address should show a padlock icon.
Use payment options with protection
Pay with a credit card when possible – most offer fraud protection and ability to dispute charges.
Trust your instincts
If you feel uncertain or rushed, walk away. Don’t be swayed by stories of great deals or VIP access.
Conclusion
Getting scammed out of money for concert tickets can ruin an eagerly anticipated event. But acting quickly to notify your bank, payment providers, and relevant authorities can sometimes help you recover lost funds. Leaving reviews and reporting the scammer may prevent others from being victimized. Learn to recognize common tactics scammers use and be an informed, cautious buyer to avoid most scams. If attending a concert means that much, it’s worth taking extra steps to ensure your tickets are real and your money is secure.