When buying tickets from Ticketmaster, it’s important to verify that the tickets you purchased are valid and legitimate. There are a few simple steps you can take to verify your Ticketmaster tickets.
Check for a Ticketmaster Verified Tag
All tickets purchased directly through Ticketmaster will have a “Ticketmaster Verified” tag printed on them. This is usually located at the bottom or top of the ticket. If your ticket has this verified tag, you can be sure it’s 100% legitimate and issued by Ticketmaster.
The verified tag features the Ticketmaster logo and name, so it’s hard to replicate or fake. Just look for the Ticketmaster name and familiar logo to spot it. As long as you bought the ticket from an official Ticketmaster website, app, or box office and see the verified tag, you’re good to go.
Verify with the Venue Directly
If you want some extra peace of mind, you can always call or email the venue your event is being held at and ask them to verify your Ticketmaster tickets. Most venue box offices have access to Ticketmaster’s database and records, so they can look up your ticket’s order number or barcode to check it against their system.
Just contact the venue, give them your ticket details like barcode or order number, and ask them to verify the tickets are valid and issued by Ticketmaster. This takes a bit more time and effort, but gives you certainty straight from the source.
Use the Ticketmaster Verification Tool
Ticketmaster provides an online verification tool you can use to authenticate your tickets. Just go to the Ticketmaster website, find the verification page, and enter your ticket’s barcode or order number.
The tool will instantly check if the ticket is valid and provide verification details like the event, seat location, date, etc. This is the quickest and easiest way to verify Ticketmaster tickets yourself, usually only taking a few seconds.
Examine Security Features on the Ticket
Ticketmaster print-at-home tickets and mobile tickets contain special security features to prevent fraud and replication. When you receive your ticket, look for some of these security elements:
- A perforated edge with small copy dots
- The ticket section numbers displaying in microprint
- A thermochromic ink thumbnail image
- The text “Ticketmaster” prominently displayed
If your ticket contains some or all of these security features, it’s safe to assume it’s 100% valid and legitimate.
Only Buy from Official Ticketmaster Sources
To have the best chance of getting valid event tickets, only buy from the official Ticketmaster website, app, box office, or fan-to-fan ticket exchanges powered by Ticketmaster like NFL Ticket Exchange.
Never purchase tickets from 3rd party reseller sites, online classified ads, social media, or scalpers outside the venue. Stick with official Ticketmaster sources for the most secure ticket buying experience.
Check Purchase Email for Verification Code
When you buy Ticketmaster tickets online, you’ll be emailed a purchase receipt that includes a order verification code. This unique code ties the tickets to your purchase in Ticketmaster’s system.
If you ever need to verify your tickets, reference this purchase email and provide the verification code to Ticketmaster or the event venue. The code acts as proof you bought the tickets directly from Ticketmaster.
Call Ticketmaster Customer Service
If you still have concerns about your ticket’s validity, you can call Ticketmaster’s customer service line and ask them to verify your ticket.
A Ticketmaster rep can pull up your order details and walk you through the verification process over the phone. Just be ready to provide your order number or ticket barcode.
Calling allows you to speak with a Ticketmaster agent directly if you need additional help or reassurance about your tickets.
Sign Up for a Ticketmaster Account
Purchasing tickets through a Ticketmaster account makes the verification process much easier. Your tickets will be stored in your account history where you can view them anytime.
If you ever need to access your tickets again to re-download, transfer, or verify, just log into your Ticketmaster account. It provides a simple hub to manage and authenticate your tickets.
Link Ticket to Your Mobile Wallet
Use the Ticketmaster app to add your ticket to Apple Wallet or Google Pay on your smartphone. This links your ticket purchase to your digital wallet for simplified access.
Your phone can then automatically verify the ticket is valid and pull up your barcode or QR code for scanning. Having the ticket in your mobile wallet adds security and convenience.
Verify Early to Avoid Issues
Don’t wait until the last minute to verify your Ticketmaster tickets. Check their validity as soon as you receive them or at least a few days before the event.
This gives you time to contact Ticketmaster if there are any issues. Finding out your ticket is fraudulent or invalid right as the event starts would be a nightmare.
Order From Reputable Sellers
If you buy tickets resale from a secondary seller, make sure to only purchase from vendors with a strong reputation and many positive reviews. Sites like Vivid Seats and StubHub are generally safe options.
Avoid sellers with zero or few reviews and incredibly low prices that seem too good to be true. Stick with reputable ticket marketplaces and sellers whenever possible.
Cross Reference the Venue Seating Chart
Most venues provide seating charts on their websites that show each section and row configuration. When verifying your Ticketmaster ticket, pull up the venue’s seating chart and make sure your seat info matches up.
If your ticket lists a row, seat or section that doesn’t exist on the official seating chart, that’s a red flag it may be fraudulent or inaccurate.