Buying tickets online comes with the risk of scams. Scammers are always looking for ways to trick unsuspecting buyers into sending money without receiving valid tickets in return. However, there are steps you can take to avoid falling victim to ticket scams. Being aware of common ticket scams and using secure purchasing platforms can help protect you when buying tickets online.
Common Ticket Scams
Here are some of the most prevalent ticket scams to watch out for:
Fake ticket websites: Scammers create convincing fake ticket resale websites that appear legitimate but are designed to steal your money. These sites may advertise tickets that don’t exist and will take your payment without sending valid tickets.
Social media scams: Scammers reach out on platforms like Facebook and Craigslist claiming to have tickets to sell. They offer a seemingly good deal to get you to pay upfront before disappearing without sending tickets.
Wire transfer requests: A common scam technique is to insist on payment through wire transfer, which offers no buyer protection. Once you wire the money, it’s gone for good.
Third-party sellers: Some third-party ticket sellers are scalpers just looking to rip buyers off. They may sell fake or duplicated tickets that will be rejected at the venue.
Ticket broker scams: Dishonest ticket brokers acquire tickets with the intent to resell them. They may sell the same tickets multiple times then disappear once buyers figure out the tickets are invalid.
Avoiding Scams
Here are some tips to avoid getting scammed:
Only use reputable platforms: Stick to major ticket retailers like Ticketmaster or trusted resale marketplaces like StubHub. Avoid sellers on individual websites or social media (unless they are verified resale platforms).
Check seller ratings: Look for ratings, reviews, and complaints before purchasing from a reseller. Higher ratings don’t guarantee legitimacy, but low ratings should raise red flags.
Beware of deals that seem too good to be true: Extremely low prices are a giveaway for a scam. Be suspicious if a seller offers tickets far below face value.
Avoid wire transfers: Never agree to wire money to pay for tickets. Credit cards are safer as they allow you to dispute fraudulent charges.
Verify the tickets: Ask the seller to provide the ticket details upfront so you can verify the tickets on the venue’s official website.
Only buy e-tickets from the source: When buying tickets online, only trust e-tickets sent directly from the official ticket seller, like Ticketmaster.
Examine tickets closely: Scrutinize physical tickets for any alterations or inaccuracies to help identify fakes. Look for torn or missing stub portions.
Get ticket insurance: When using a resale marketplace, pay extra for ticket insurance to ensure you either receive valid tickets or get a full refund.
Purchasing Platforms
Sticking to reputable ticket purchasing platforms is one of the best ways to avoid scams. Here are some recommended options:
Official Ticket Seller Websites
If tickets are still available through official channels, always buy through the venue or promoter’s official website, such as:
– Ticketmaster.com
– AXS.com
– LiveNation.com
Buying directly from these sellers guarantees you will receive valid tickets. However, popular events often sell out so official tickets may be unavailable.
Reputable Resale Marketplaces
Once tickets for an event sell out, you may have to purchase resale tickets. Use caution and only purchase through trusted resale sites, such as:
– StubHub.com
– VividSeats.com
– SeatGeek.com
– TicketNetwork.com
These platforms offer buyer guarantees so you either receive valid tickets or get a refund. However, always pay with a credit card for the additional fraud protection just in case.
Official Fan Exchange Programs
Many teams, artists, and venues operate official ticket exchanges through partnership with resale marketplaces. These exchanges allow fans to resell eligible tickets at capped prices. Two examples are:
– NFL Ticket Exchange through Ticketmaster
– Adele Verified Fan Exchange through Ticketmaster
Purchasing resale tickets directly through the official fan exchange provides extra peace of mind.
Artist Presale Programs
When possible, take advantage of special artist presale programs like Verified Fan. These programs allow registered users early access to purchase tickets directly through the primary seller before the general public sale. This both avoids immediate sellouts and guarantees all presale tickets are legitimate.
Protecting Yourself When Buying Resale Tickets
When purchasing through unaffiliated resellers, take precautions to avoid getting scammed:
Research the Seller Thoroughly
Background research is essential when dealing with an unknown third-party seller:
– Search online for the seller, website, or company name along with terms like “scam,” “fake,” or “complaint.” Look for bad reviews.
– Check third-party rating sites like TrustPilot. Be wary of sellers with no or low ratings.
– Call to ask questions. Get a feel for their professionalism and knowledge.
– Ask for proof of their legitimacy, such as business licenses or certifications.
– Look up their website registration. Fake sites may have hidden or foreign owners.
– Avoid sellers unwilling to provide background details. Transparency is a good sign.
Verify the Tickets
Always verify ticket details before paying:
– Confirm the seat numbers, section, row, event name, date, and venue.
– Cross reference with the official seating chart and event information.
– Check the ticket barcode number against the venue’s online verification system if available.
– Call the box office to validate the tickets (but don’t tell them the barcode numbers).
– Ask about ticket delivery/pickup method and timing to align expectations.
– Walk away if the seller cannot or will not provide ticket details.
Use Safe Payment Methods
Never pay with these risky payment methods:
Unsafe Payment Methods | Reason to Avoid |
---|---|
Wire transfers | No buyer protection or ability to get your money back |
Cash | No paper trail and cannot recover lost cash |
Zelle/Venmo/PayPal Friends & Family | No buyer protection with these peer-to-peer apps |
Gift cards | Untraceable and no recourse if codes already redeemed |
Foreign currency services | Added complication and no oversight |
Instead, pay only through credit card or services with buyer protection:
Safer Payment Methods | Reason It’s Secure |
---|---|
Credit card | Ability to dispute fraudulent charges |
PayPal Goods & Services | PayPal buyer protection program |
Resale marketplace internal payment system | Covered by site’s ticket guarantee |
Avoid paying the full amount upfront if possible. Use a secure payment method to pay a nominal deposit, then pay the balance once you receive and verify the tickets.
Get Everything in Writing
Build a paper trail with written documentation and communication:
– Ask the seller to email ticket details and terms before paying.
– Include the ticket quantity, type, seat locations, event details, and total price in writing.
– Save all written communication about the sale for reference.
– If picking up locally, print sales terms and have the seller sign.
Written records help prove fraud and get your money back if scammed.
Trust Your Instincts
If anything seems suspicious or too good to be true, walk away:
– Don’t ignore red flags like prices below face value or escrow service requests.
– Be wary if the seller tries torush you into paying quickly.
– Never provide personal information that could lead to identity theft.
– Don’t fall for sob stories intended to manipulate your emotions.
Protect yourself by ending communication and reporting the seller if you suspect a scam.
What to Do if You are Scammed
If you realize too late that you were scammed, take action quickly:
Immediately Contact Your Bank/Payment Provider
– Call your credit card company or payment provider. Inform them it was a fraudulent transaction.
– Request an immediate chargeback or refund of the charges.
– File a formal dispute if the chargeback is rejected. Provide details showing it was fraudulent.
– If you paid by wire, request an urgent wire recall through your bank. There is typically a short window to reverse a wire.
Report the Fraud
Reporting the scam helps prevent the scammer from victimizing others:
– File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
– Report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.
– Contact the ticket seller platform’s fraud department if tickets were purchased through a resale site.
– Notify the event promoter/venue that a scammer is selling fake tickets to the event. Provide details on the scam.
Leave Negative Reviews
Post detailed reviews about the scam on consumer sites to warn others:
– ComplaintsBoard.com
– RipOffReport.com
– Yelp.com
– BetterBusinessBureau.org
Publicize what happened so other buyers avoid the same fate.
Spread the Word
Tell your personal and social networks about the scam to prevent others from being targeted. Describe warning signs of the scam and where to safely purchase tickets instead.
Consult a Lawyer
If you lost a lot of money, consult a lawyer about legal action options:
– Send a demand letter requesting a refund.
– File claims in small claims court if cost-effective.
– Report identity theft if personal information was misused.
– Explore class action lawsuits for widespread ticket scams.
Legal action forces uncooperative scammers to pay up and acts as a deterrent.
Conclusion
Avoiding ticket scams requires caution, research, and using secure purchasing platforms. While nothing can fully guarantee you won’t be scammed, following best practices dramatically reduces your risk. Don’t let fear of scams stop you from purchasing tickets. Just make sure to protect yourself with preparation and vigilance. That way you can enjoy events with peace of mind knowing your tickets are guaranteed valid.