With the rise in popularity of online ticket resale platforms, knowing how to verify the authenticity of concert tickets has become increasingly important. Counterfeit tickets can lead to being turned away at the door or even legal troubles. Thankfully, there are a few simple steps you can take to authenticate your tickets and avoid fakes.
Check for Official Ticket Stamps
Genuine tickets will have a few key markings that indicate they are official event tickets printed by the concert promoter or venue. This includes:
- The name and date of the event
- The seat location
- A barcode or QR code
- An official logo or watermark from the promoter or venue
- An identifying serial number
If any of these elements look blurry, misspelled, or copied, that is a red flag. Authentic serial numbers and barcodes cannot be duplicated. High resolution, crisp images and text are a sign of a real ticket.
Verify Security Features
Many modern tickets have built-in safety features to prevent duplication. When tilted under light, authentic tickets may reveal hidden images, color changes, or signatures visible only at an angle. Specialty inks, holograms, and foil elements are increasingly being implemented as well. Oftentimes, the back of a real ticket will state “This ticket cannot be duplicated” along with other anti-counterfeit messages. If your ticket lacks any overt security elements, be wary.
Purchase From Trusted Sellers
The safest way to ensure real tickets is to only buy directly from the original venue or promoter. If purchasing resale tickets, use reputable exchanges like Stubhub who guarantee valid tickets. Also be cautious when buying from online classifieds, social media, or informal sellers where counterfeits are common. Check user reviews and be skeptical of prices that seem dramatically below face value.
Examine Payment and Pickup Options
A refusal to use secure payment methods is a big warning sign. Fake ticket sellers often insist on wire transfers, gift cards, Venmo, or cash payment to avoid fraud protections. For mailed tickets, only trust tracked and insured delivery. For box office pickup, confirm the location address is legitimate. Beware of shady handlers insisting on obscure meeting spots to exchange tickets in person.
Verify Online Listings
Another prevention method is cross-checking the ticket through official developer APIs or databases. Ticketmaster, Axs, Live Nation and other major ticket merchants have online tools to look up ticket authenticity by the barcode or order number. This can validate details like the section, row, and seat. If the ticket details contradict the database, they are likely fake.
Inspect Print Quality
Examining the physical ticket quality can also indicate if it is counterfeit. Feel for the rigidity and thickness of cardstock, which should be much higher than regular paper. Inspect the edges for clean cuts – real tickets use high precision commercial printers. Also look closely at the fonts, colors, and graphics for any blurriness, pixelation, misalignments, or other errors.
Ask for Certificates of Authenticity
For very expensive or premier tickets, the seller may be able to provide a Certificate of Authenticity (COA). This is an official document from the venue or ticketing company verifying the tickets are genuine. There may also be an option to get tickets professionally authenticated and graded by third party agencies like PSA/DNA.
Spot Duplicate Barcodes
Another rookie mistake of counterfeiters is failing to change the barcode on each fake ticket. If you notice two tickets with identical barcodes and seat numbers, that is a clear giveaway. Legitimate tickets will always have unique identifying codes.
Avoid Damaged Tickets
Heavily damaged tickets should raise suspicions – wear and tear can often disguise altered details. Tickets with rips, stains, missing corners, scuff marks, or other excessive damage could conceal signs of tampering and duplication. Only accept tickets in decent shape.
Double Check Delivery Date
If you bought tickets far in advance, be wary of delivery earlier than the typical 1-2 weeks before the event. Print-at-home tickets are not usually available months ahead. Early delivery indicates pre-printed counterfeits. Delaying delivery until just before the show date helps deter fakes.
Conclusion
By looking for official branding, verifying security features against fraud, only transacting through trusted channels, and inspecting quality – you can feel confident in spotting fake tickets. If there is ever any doubt, reach out to the venue or ticketing company for confirmation. Being vigilant protects you from scams and ensures smooth entry at the door. Do not take risks with unofficial resellers or shady marketplace listings. With simple diligence, you can enjoy peace of mind and authenticate your concert tickets.