Purchasing tickets from a secondary ticket marketplace like StubHub can be a great way to get access to sold out concerts, sporting events, and shows. However, there is always a risk that the tickets you purchase could be fake or fraudulent. Here are some tips on how to spot fake tickets and protect yourself when using StubHub.
Check for StubHub’s FanProtect Guarantee
StubHub provides a FanProtect Guarantee on all tickets sold through its marketplace. This guarantee means that if your tickets turn out to be invalid or you are denied entry, StubHub will find you comparable replacement tickets or provide a full refund. The FanProtect Guarantee is a good first indication that your tickets are legitimate. Fake or fraudulent tickets would not be backed by StubHub’s guarantee.
Review the Seller’s Ratings and Reviews
Before purchasing from a seller, check their profile page on StubHub and look at their rating and reviews from previous buyers. StubHub has a strict policy prohibiting the sale of counterfeit or duplicated tickets. Sellers found violating this policy can be banned from the marketplace. A seller with consistently positive ratings and reviews is a good sign that they are trustworthy.
Verify the Ticket Details
When you receive your tickets, thoroughly verify all of the details on them. Make sure the venue name, event name, date, and seating section all match what you purchased. Fake tickets will often have errors or inconsistencies in the fine print details. Also check for blurry printing, misspellings, incorrect colors, or anything else that looks off.
Register the Tickets with the Venue
Many major event venues now allow you to register your tickets online prior to the event. This will verify with the venue that the barcode links to a legitimate active ticket for the event. If you try to register a fake paper ticket, it will not validate. Purchasing e-tickets directly through StubHub will also register your ticket purchase with the venue automatically.
Bring a Printout of Your StubHub Order
When you attend the event, bring a printout of your StubHub order confirmation email. This shows proof of purchase and can be used along with a photo ID if you have any issues getting your tickets scanned. Knowing you have this backup from StubHub will help you identify and resolve any problems before you miss the event.
Using Caution with Incredible Deals
If a ticket price seems too good to be true, it very well may be. Fake tickets are often listed at deep discounts compared to all other sellers. Exercise caution when considering tickets listed at prices drastically below current market value. Only purchase from highly rated sellers with a proven history of sales.
Avoid Buying Outside StubHub
Never complete a ticket transaction outside of the StubHub marketplace. StubHub provides protections for both buyers and sellers when transactions are completed through their marketplace. Taking transactions offline removes those protections and increases your risk of fraud.
Look for StubHub Certified Sellers
StubHub offers a Certified Seller program for frequent sellers who meet high standards for customer service and fulfillment. These sellers undergo additional vetting and verification by StubHub. Purchasing from a Certified Seller can give you extra confidence in the legitimacy of the tickets.
Get tickets delivered digitally when possible
Having tickets delivered digitally directly to your StubHub account or mobile device limits the risk of fake paper tickets. Digital tickets also allow you to easily transfer or re-sell extra tickets through StubHub. Opt for digital delivery whenever it is offered.
Inspect tickets carefully upon arrival
If you do purchase paper tickets, thoroughly inspect them when they arrive. Look for signs of tampering, improper printing, differences in paper stock etc. Fake tickets will often have minor imperfections that can be identified by close visual inspection. Knowing the subtle warning signs can help detect fakes.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can feel confident in avoiding fake tickets when using StubHub. Take advantage of StubHub’s FanProtect Guarantee, purchase from highly rated sellers, register and verify your tickets, and inspect everything closely. Being vigilant will help ensure you receive authentic tickets and have peace of mind.
StubHub makes buying and selling event tickets convenient, but you still need to use caution and common sense. If you ever have suspicions about a seller or the validity of tickets, contact StubHub customer service before completing the transaction. StubHub’s policies are designed to protect buyers from fraud, but you need to do your part by making smart purchasing decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some obvious signs of fake tickets?
Some clear signs of fake tickets include incorrect colors, blurry/improper printing, misspellings, wrong seat numbers, incorrect barcodes, and prices that are drastically below market value. Fake tickets will often have small flaws that can be identified through close visual inspection.
Can tickets be fake if purchased directly from StubHub?
It is highly unlikely to receive fake tickets when purchasing directly through StubHub’s website or app. StubHub thoroughly vets sellers and has strict anti-fraud measures in place. Fake tickets are more common when purchasing from individual scalpers outside of StubHub.
What if the tickets look real but turn out to be invalid?
If you purchase tickets through StubHub that appear legitimate but end up being invalid, StubHub’s FanProtect Guarantee ensures you will receive comparable replacement tickets or get a full refund. This guarantee backs every ticket sold on StubHub.
Is it safe to buy discounted tickets at the last minute?
It’s generally not recommended to buy heavily discounted tickets at the last minute, even on StubHub, as they have a higher likelihood of being fraudulent. Last minute tickets can be legitimate if prices are consistent with current market value.
Can paper tickets be faked convincingly?
While color copiers and high quality scanners have made faking paper tickets more feasible, there are still production methods that make genuine venue-printed tickets very difficult to replicate convincingly. Fake paper tickets will typically have subtle imperfections upon close inspection.
What is the safest method of delivery for tickets?
Digital tickets delivered directly to your StubHub account or mobile device are the safest option. This eliminates the risk of fake paper tickets. If you must purchase paper tickets, only have them delivered to an address you control and carefully inspect them upon arrival.
Should I avoid buying from sellers with no reviews?
It is generally recommended to purchase from sellers who have a decent amount of positive reviews on StubHub. However, everyone has to start somewhere, so a lack of reviews alone does not inherently mean a seller should be avoided. Use common sense when evaluating new sellers.
Can I get a refund if I accidentally buy fake tickets?
If you accidentally purchase fake tickets on StubHub and they violate the FanProtect Guarantee, you are entitled to a full refund or comparable replacement tickets. StubHub’s buyer protection policies cover instances of buying fake tickets unintentionally.
Detecting Fake Tickets – A Step-by-Step Guide
Here is a step-by-step guide to detecting fake tickets purchased on StubHub:
- Carefully inspect the ticket when it arrives. Look for improper printing, blurriness, misspellings, incorrect colors, improper stock, or anything else suspicious.
- Verify all the details on the ticket – event name, venue, date, section, row, and seat number should all match your order.
- Enter the ticket barcode into StubHub’s verification tool. Fake barcodes will show as invalid.
- Register the ticket on the venue’s website. Fake tickets cannot be validated through venue registration.
- Compare the ticket to images of genuine tickets for the same event. Differences are red flags for fakes.
- Examine the ticket under light at multiple angles. Fakes often use inferior materials and inks.
- Feel the weight and texture of the ticket stock. Genuine tickets often have unique stock.
- Analyze the perforations, watermarks, and edge printing. Fakes struggle to replicate these.
- Scratch the ticket gently with your fingernail and look for hidden void indicators that become visible.
- Contact the seller if you have any doubts or use StubHub’s FanProtect Guarantee for a refund.
How StubHub Helps Prevent Fake Tickets
StubHub utilizes a number of proactive measures to prevent the sale of fake and fraudulent tickets on its marketplace. These include:
Measure | Description |
---|---|
Seller Verification | Sellers must provide identity verification and bank account information before selling tickets. |
Pricing Monitoring | Algorithmic monitoring to flag listings priced anomalously compared to the market. |
Duplicate Detection | Systems prevent duplicate copies of the same ticket from being sold to multiple buyers. |
Location Verification | Tickets are checked against seller’s reported location to detect fraud patterns. |
Delivery Guarantees | Policies protect buyers if tickets are not delivered or are found to be fraudulent. |
Certified Sellers | Extensive background checks on high-volume sellers to certify legitimacy. |
Analytics Monitoring | Machine learning models identify high risk sellers based on transaction history. |
While fake tickets do occasionally slip through the cracks, StubHub has dedicated significant resources to fraud prevention. Buying tickets directly through their marketplace provides layers of protection against scams.
Reporting Fake Tickets to StubHub
If you purchase tickets on StubHub and later determine they are likely fake or fraudulent, you should immediately contact StubHub customer support by phone or email. Be prepared to provide:
- Your order number
- Seller username
- Detailed reasoning for why you believe the tickets are fake
- Photos of the tickets (front and back)
- Any proof of attempted venue registration or bar code checking
StubHub will open an investigation into the seller of the fraudulent tickets. If the tickets are confirmed fake, StubHub will issue you a full refund or replacement tickets under their FanProtect Guarantee. They may also choose to criminally prosecute the seller in certain cases.
Accurately reporting fake ticket sales helps StubHub strengthen their anti-fraud efforts. If you encounter what you believe are fake tickets, take clear photos documenting the issues before contacting StubHub. Photos alongside your detailed description will assist their investigation.
Legal Recourse for Fake Tickets
In addition to contacting StubHub for a refund, buyers who are victims of fake tickets sold through deception may also consider legal recourse depending on the specifics of the case. Some options include:
- Filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC investigates deceptive business practices related to fake ticket sales.
- Reporting the seller to the Better Business Bureau. The BBB can document complaints and push for corrective action.
- Consulting with an attorney about small claims court. If the seller’s identity is known, suing for damages may be an option.
- Reporting the seller to local police. Selling fake tickets may be considered fraud or forgery depending on the laws.
Before pursuing legal options, be sure to thoroughly document your interactions and thogorughly inspect the tickets to prove fraudulent intent. Winning a judgement also depends on being able to accurately identify the perpetrator.
Best Practices when Buying Tickets
Follow these best practices whenever purchasing tickets from StubHub or other secondary marketplaces:
- Only buy from sellers with excellent ratings and reviews.
- Avoid prices that seem heavily discounted from the market.
- Thoroughly verify ticket details when they arrive.
- Register tickets directly with the venue if possible.
- Pay with a credit card to dispute charges if needed.
- Save all documentation related to your order.
- Leave feedback about your experience with the seller.
- Report any suspected fake tickets immediately.
Being a smart, cautious buyer is your best protection against ending up with fake tickets. Reputable marketplaces like StubHub have policies in place to reimburse buyers who receive counterfeits, but preventing the problem in the first place is ideal.
How Sellers Can Avoid Accusations
For sellers seeking to avoid any accusations of selling fake tickets, here are some tips:
- Only sell tickets you personally purchased from the venue or original source.
- Avoid selling discounted hot-market tickets which are more prone to fraud.
- Keep thorough documentation related to your ticket purchases.
- Respond promptly to any buyer concerns or questions.
- Proactively offer refunds to unsatisfied buyers within marketplace policies.
- Register tickets with venues whenever possible prior to listing.
- Build up a long history of positive buyer reviews on your seller profile.
- Provide high resolution images of the tickets you are selling.
Maintaining open communication with buyers and building a stellar seller reputation is key. Going above and beyond to address any concerns will minimize the chances of fake ticket accusations.
In Conclusion
The ticket resale market provides convenience to fans but also opportunities for scammers. Arm yourself with knowledge of the warning signs, use common sense when buying, and leverage StubHub’s protections. Being an informed buyer is your best defense against fake tickets.