With the rise of online ticket sales, it can be hard to tell if a ticket merchant is operating legally and ethically. Buying tickets from an illegitimate source leaves customers vulnerable to fraud, counterfeit tickets, unfair prices, and other risks. So how do you make sure a ticket retailer is reliable? Here are some tips on researching ticket sellers and signs of sketchy ticket websites.
What are the risks of buying from illegitimate ticket sellers?
If you purchase tickets through a dishonest or sketchy source, you could end up with the following problems:
- Fake or counterfeit tickets – Ticketing scams will often sell replicates of genuine tickets to unsuspecting buyers. These fakes will likely not scan at the venue entrance.
- Invalid tickets – Some shady sellers will sell tickets they never actually possessed and will leave you out of luck at the event entrance.
- Price gouging – Unethical ticket retailers will jack up prices far beyond the official ticket value, taking advantage of demand.
- Bait-and-switch tactics – Scam artists may advertise tickets they don’t actually have in stock to lure in customers and push other more expensive options.
- Stolen tickets – Criminals may sell tickets that were illegally obtained originally.
- Lack of customer service – Many illegitimate operations have no customer service to handle problems and will be unreachable after the transaction.
Getting stuck with fake, invalid, or stolen tickets can mean you miss an event you paid to attend. And even if you receive valid tickets, paying inflated prices rewards shady business practices.
How can I check if a ticket seller is reputable?
Protect yourself by thoroughly researching any ticket marketplace before making a purchase. Here are some ways to vet an online ticket seller:
- Check for contact information – Legitimate sites should list a business address, phone number, and customer service channels.
- Look up online reviews – Search the company name plus words like “reviews”, “complaints”, or “scam” to find feedback from past customers.
- Search for public reports – Check sites like BBB.org and the Federal Trade Commission for any warnings or known issues.
- Verify security & policies – Make sure the site has protections like SSL encryption, guarantees, and transparent fees.
- Seek referral codes – Ask friends who’ve safely purchased tickets if they can refer or lend discount codes.
- Research sellers – If buying from an individual seller, thoroughly vet their reputation online first.
A bit of upfront research makes it less likely you’ll deal with a sketchy seller or fraudulent tickets. When possible, purchase through official venues and use referrals for trustworthy sellers.
What are signs of an illegitimate online ticket marketplace?
Here are some red flags to watch out for when shopping for event tickets online:
- No customer service contact information provided
- No physical business address available
- Website appears hastily put together
- URL looks suspicious or is misspelled
- Prices far below or above face value
- Only vague event details provided
- Lack of secure checkout and encryption
- No refund policy stated
- Misleading ads and images
- Poor, unprofessional writing on site
Any sketchy or unprofessional looking elements of a website should give you pause about purchasing through that company. Prioritize sellers that are clear and transparent about policies, pricing, and contact channels.
How can I get scammed when buying tickets?
As demand for concert, sports, and other event tickets continues to rise, so do the scams targeting eager customers. Here are some of the most common ticket scams to watch out for:
Fake ticket marketplaces
Illicit sites will pose as real ticket sellers online. They may even mimic the design and branding of legitimate companies. But telltale signs like non-working contact info point to fraud.
Fake sales listings
Scammers will list non-existent tickets for sale on secondary markets like Craigslist to entice buyers. They may lift images from real listings or events. These “ghost” tickets disappear after payment.
Counterfeit or duplicated tickets
Technology like high-resolution printing enables scammers to create realistic looking fake tickets. But the barcodes will be invalid and not allow entry.
Wire transfer requests
Many scammers insist on wire transfers for payment, allowing them to receive funds before the scam is detected. Legitimate sellers offer safer purchase options.
Re-selling previously sold tickets
Some fraudsters will sell the same batch of tickets over and over to different buyers. Only the first purchaser will receive valid tickets (if any).
Avoiding too-good-to-be-true deals, wire transfers, non-secure sites, and unknown sellers can help you steer clear of most ticket scams.
How can I safely buy tickets from online resellers?
If you choose to purchase after-market tickets from a reseller or classifieds marketplace, here are some tips for safer transactions:
- Vet both the marketplace platform and specific seller thoroughly
- Review transaction policies and buyer protections before purchasing
- Avoid wire transfers and pay through secure, reversible methods only
- Ask sellers to provide identifying information like full name and contact info
- Request a photo or screenshot of the actual tickets being sold
- Only complete transactions if you feel fully comfortable and informed
Buying tickets safely from a reseller takes research and caution. And there’s always a level of risk buying after initial sale. When possible, purchase directly through official retailers.
What can I do if I’m scammed buying tickets?
If you complete a ticket purchase and later suspect fraud, here are some recourse options:
- Call your credit card company – Report questionable charges to request a refund or chargeback
- Contact the ticket seller – Reach out to demand a refund and threaten further action
- Report the scam – File claims through the FTC, IC3, BBB, and other agencies
- Leave reviews – Warn others about fake sellers, marketplaces, or tickets on review sites
- Consult an attorney – A lawyer may be able to pursue legal action in bigger ticket scams
- Spread awareness – Post on social media and forums to bring the scam to light
Unfortunately, many victims of ticket scams are unable to get money back, especially if they paid by wire or gift cards. This is why it’s critical to detect fraud before completing a purchase. Avoiding scam risks in the first place is the best way to buy tickets safely.
Conclusion
Online ticket scams continue to evolve, so buyers must be vigilant. Do your homework on sellers, watch for red flags, and trust your gut. If a deal seems questionable, walk away and buy from verified vendors only. While mistakes can happen, awareness and caution will limit your chances of being defrauded when purchasing event tickets online.