Purchasing tickets from unauthorized sellers or fake ticket websites is a huge risk. Fake tickets can leave you stranded outside an event you were excited to attend. Here are some tips to avoid buying counterfeit tickets and ensure your tickets are legitimate.
Buy from trusted sources
The safest way to buy tickets is directly through the official box office or website of the team, theater, concert venue, etc. Purchasing tickets directly from the source guarantees authenticity. Many major event websites have verified resale markets as well, such as Ticketmaster or Stubhub. These sites work directly with venues to ensure tickets are valid. Buying from third party sellers on Craigslist, eBay, or unfamiliar sites is very risky.
Check security features
Authentic tickets have security features that are hard for counterfeiters to duplicate. Examine your tickets closely for items like holograms, heat-sensitive ink, unique barcode or QR codes, embossing, and watermarks. Run your finger over the ticket to feel indentations in the paper. Fake tickets often lack these security elements or have poor quality versions.
Verify the seller
If buying from a reseller, verify they are a real business. Search for reviews of the company online. Fake ticket sellers often do not have much of an online presence or history. Legitimate resellers should have customer service numbers and responsive representatives you can contact as well.
Use payment methods wisely
Avoid paying cash for event tickets, especially to individuals. PayPal or credit cards offer buyer protection and are safer ways to pay. Be wary of sellers insisting on unusual payment methods like wire transfers or gift cards.
Confirm ticket details
Double check that all the ticket details match the event. Make sure the date, time, location, event name, and seat numbers are correct. Fake tickets often have errors like misspellings or incorrect information. Also verify any ticket numbers by calling the box office. Most venues can look up tickets by their ID number to confirm validity.
Act fast on invalid tickets
If you are denied entry due to fake tickets, act quickly. Alert the box office staff and ask for help. If you purchased from a website or reseller, contact their customer service. File claims through PayPal or your credit card company disputing the charges for the fraudulent tickets. Provide copies of emails, screenshots, receipts, or other transaction records.
Buy early
Purchasing tickets far in advance gives you more time to ensure authenticity. There is less likelihood of fakes existing for newly announced events. Buying early also allows time to resolve any issues. Late minute purchases can leave you stranded if the tickets end up being fake.
Trust your instincts
If an amazing deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Extremely low prices are a red flag for counterfeits. High demand events rarely sell far under face value. Be wary of sellers offering hard to find or sold out tickets at huge discounts.
Avoid street scalpers
Street scalpers selling last minute tickets outside venues are very risky. They typically offer no recourse if their tickets end up being fake. Some even print counterfeits themselves. Only buy from street sellers as an absolute last resort.
Get hard stock tickets
When possible, choose hard stock paper tickets instead of print outs or PDF e-tickets. Hard stock tickets with anti-counterfeiting features are harder to fake convincingly. Most major events still issue official hard card tickets.
Meet in person for transfers
When buying from individuals, try to meet them in person to exchange your money for the physical tickets. This gives you a chance to verify authenticity before paying. Be very cautious of online sellers who only agree to transfer PDF tickets.
Research event policies
Read up on the specific event’s ticket policies, especially regarding transfers and resales. Many have strict rules against reselling. Buyer beware penalties could mean tickets resold against policy can be rejected. Know the event’s stance before you buy.
Go with your friend
Have a friend come with you when buying tickets in cash from strangers. Meeting solo with an unknown seller makes you more vulnerable to scams. Bring someone along for safety and an extra set of eyes assessing ticket validity.
Conclusion
While there are no absolute guarantees against fake tickets, following these tips will drastically reduce your risk. Buying directly from venues provides the best assurance. But if going through resellers, do research beforehand and examine tickets thoroughly upon purchase. Stay vigilant and don’t get scammed into paying top dollar for worthless fake tickets!
Here is a recap of the key points:
Tips to Avoid Fake Tickets |
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Purchase directly from official box offices and event websites when possible |
Inspect security features like holograms, barcodes, and watermarks |
Verify third party seller reputations through reviews and research |
Use credit cards or PayPal instead of cash for buyer protection |
Confirm all ticket details and numbers match event info |
Act quickly to file claims if tickets are invalid |
Buy early to allow time to spot potential fakes |
Avoid extreme discounts that seem too good to be true |
Only buy from street scalpers as a last minute backup |
Choose hard stock tickets over printouts when possible |
Meet sellers in person to inspect tickets before paying cash |
Research event resale and transfer policies before buying |
Bring a friend when buying tickets from strangers |
Staying vigilant is key to avoid getting scammed by fake tickets. Following these tips will help ensure your tickets are legitimate and prevent you from being turned away at the door. With some caution, you can feel confident your tickets are real and get into the event you paid to see.