With the popularity of online ticket resales through sites like StubHub and Vivid Seats, it can be difficult to tell if someone selling tickets is a scammer or a legitimate seller. There are a few key things to look for when buying tickets secondhand that can help you avoid getting ripped off.
Check Their Online Reviews
If someone is selling tickets through a platform like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or even Reddit, check to see if other users have reviewed them or reported issues. Do a quick Google search on their name or username to see if anything comes up. While lack of reviews doesn’t necessarily mean they’re illegitimate, multiple bad reviews should make you cautious about buying from them.
On resale marketplaces like StubHub and Vivid Seats, you can view the seller’s feedback rating and reviews from past buyers. Look for sellers with a high percentage of positive reviews. Be wary of sellers with mostly negative feedback or lack of sales history.
Ask for Photo Evidence of the Tickets
Never buy tickets without seeing photos of the actual tickets first. Scammers often use stock images or even photoshopped tickets. Ask the seller to send you clear, close-up shots of the tickets, including the entire front and back. Verify that all the details like seat numbers, date, and barcodes are visible and correct.
Compare the photos to examples of authentic tickets you can find online. Venues and ticketing companies have unique designs and security features that will be missing on fake tickets. Look for evidence of tampering like blurry barcodes or lettering.
Request Proof of Purchase
Ask to see documentation showing the original ticket purchase, like a receipt or confirmation email. The documentation should have the seller’s name on it and match the tickets they’re selling. If they can’t provide any proof the tickets were purchased legitimately, it’s best to walk away.
Use Caution with Electronic Tickets
Many tickets today are delivered electronically via mobile apps like Ticketmaster. There is a risk with electronic tickets that the seller can transfer them to you but still use them to enter the event. Only buy electronic tickets from someone you trust.
To be safe when buying electronic tickets from a stranger, make sure the seller physically transfers the tickets to you in the app. Don’t accept screenshots of tickets, which can easily be faked or recycled.
Only Use Recommended Payment Methods
Avoid paying with methods like wire transfer, gift cards, Venmo or cash app, which offer no buyer protection. Only pay through the marketplace’s approved payment system, like StubHub’s processing system. If paying outside a marketplace, use a credit card so you can dispute the charges if the tickets end up being fake.
Meet in Person When Possible
For local ticket sales, try to meet the seller in a safe public place so you can physically examine the tickets. Busy locations like a coffee shop or bank lobby are ideal. Avoid meeting at the venue, where scammers can disappear into the crowd.
If you can’t meet in person, ask the seller to mail the tickets via a trackable shipping service. Never agree to send payment before receiving the tickets.
Verify Tickets at Entry
Upon receiving any tickets, visually inspect them closely for signs of alteration and run them under a black light to check for fraudulent ink. If possible, go early to the event and have the venue employees scan the tickets to verify they are legitimate before handing over any money.
If the tickets end up being fake or someone else’s tickets were transferred to you electronically, immediately contact the seller/marketplace about recouping your money. File a claim if necessary.
Be Wary of Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True
Watch out for prices that are far below face value or recently sold-out events. Scammers often lure buyers in with “deals” that turn out to be fake or misrepresented tickets. Purchase from sellers with reasonable prices more in line with ticket resale market value.
Trust Your Instincts
If something seems suspicious, sketchy or too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t ignore red flags like the seller refusing to send images or provide information. Walk away rather than risk being scammed.
Conclusion
Here are some key tips to summarize how to tell if someone is selling legitimate event tickets:
- Check seller reviews and feedback ratings on marketplace sites
- Request photo evidence of the actual tickets
- Ask for documentation proving ticket purchase
- Only buy electronic tickets that are transferred to you
- Use recommended payment methods like marketplace processors
- Inspect tickets thoroughly before purchasing
- Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true
As long as you carefully vet the seller, only pay through secure methods, and verify the tickets upon receipt, you can feel confident you are getting valid tickets. If anything seems questionable, it’s best to keep looking than risk being scammed.
With increasing popularity of online ticket sales, scams are unfortunately common. But if you remain diligent in your search and use sound judgement, you can avoid fraud and enjoy the event you purchased tickets for.
Some key things to look for when trying to determine if a ticket seller is legitimate include:
Reviews and Reputation
Check online reviews of the seller and platform. Look for consistent positive feedback over an extensive history.
Proof of Purchase
Ask to see documentation like receipts and confirmation emails proving the source of the tickets.
Photos of Actual Tickets
Insist on seeing quality photos of the exact tickets, not stock images.
Secure Payment Methods
Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, Venmo etc. Use only recommended payments like marketplace processors.
Reasonable Pricing
Extremely low prices are usually a red flag for potential scams.
Meet in Person
For local sales, arrange to meet and inspect tickets in a safe public location.
Ticket Verification
When possible, have venue employees scan tickets prior to completing the purchase.
Here are some statistics on ticket scams you should be aware of:
Type of Scam | Percentage Affected |
---|---|
Fake tickets | 67% |
Tickets sold multiple times | 15% |
Incorrect seat numbers | 11% |
Counterfeit barcodes | 7% |
As you can see, the majority of scams involve completely fake or invalid tickets. Do your research to avoid falling victim yourself.
If buying tickets from a stranger, here are some additional precautions to take:
- Ask for the seller’s full name and contact information in case issues arise.
- See if their social media profiles are consistent with details provided.
- Search their name online for any concerning reviews or mentions.
- Reverse search any images of tickets or documentation to check authenticity.
- Ask detailed questions to evaluate their knowledge and legitimacy.
Buying event tickets from an unknown seller always involves some risk. But being an informed buyer goes a long way in avoiding scams. Learn to spot red flags, confirm details, and trust your judgment to have the best chance of getting valid tickets.
Don’t let excitement over an event cloud your judgment. It’s better to keep looking than waste money and have your hopes of attending dashed by fake tickets. With caution and preparation, you can securely buy tickets from resellers and enjoy the show!