Buying concert tickets online can be exciting but also risky. With so many ticket reselling platforms and third party sellers, it’s hard to know which sites are trustworthy. Getting scammed out of hundreds of dollars for fake or invalid tickets is a real problem in the world of online ticket sales. The key is knowing where to safely buy tickets directly from official sources, at face value prices, without getting ripped off. This article will examine the most secure and legitimate websites and apps for purchasing concert tickets online.
Buy Directly from Official Ticket Sellers
The safest way to buy concert tickets is directly from official first party ticket sellers like Ticketmaster or AXS. These are the ticketing platforms that actually partner with the venues and artists to sell the tickets initially. Buying from these official sources ensures you are getting valid tickets, sold at face value price with no unfair markups. Here are some of the major official ticket retailers to buy from:
Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster is the largest primary ticket outlet, especially for major concerts and live events. They sell tickets on behalf of over 200 venues and promoters across North America. There is no safer place to purchase tickets than directly from the source that partners with venues to handle ticketing. Ticketmaster now also owns and operates other reputable ticketing sites like LiveNation and Universe. Use Ticketmaster to buy tickets to concerts at major venues and arena shows where Ticketmaster is the authorized seller.
AXS
AXS is the official ticketing partner for over 50 premier venues and concert promoters globally. They sell tickets at set face value prices for top concerts, shows, sports events and more. Buy with total peace of mind and assurance directly from AXS knowing you will receive valid event tickets delivered electronically or by FedEx. AXS offers fan friendly ticket buying experiences and charges reasonable service fees with no surprise add-ons.
Eventbrite
Eventbrite is a safe and trusted place to purchase tickets for many smaller, independent concerts and shows. They work directly with concert promoters and venues to list and sell tickets for indie shows, local live music performances, music festivals and more. Eventbrite offers buyers a guarantee protecting against fraud. Look for the Eventbrite badge on event pages to ensure you are buying direct from an official ticket source.
Venue and Festival Websites
Often concert venues and music festivals sell tickets directly through their own official websites. These are safe, first party distributors you can buy from with total peace of mind. Look up the venue or festival website and view their concert listings. See if they provide an option to buy tickets securely online and avoid third party sellers. There are typically no added fees buying direct through venue sites either.
Research Sellers on Resale Marketplaces
While buying from unauthorized resellers has risks, major resale marketplaces like StubHub and Vivid Seats are generally safe options due to buyer guarantees. Here’s what to know when buying tickets resale:
StubHub
Stubhub is one of the largest, most reputable ticket resale marketplaces. They work closely with venues and law enforcement to identify fraudulent tickets. There is also a FanProtect Guarantee which refunds buyers if tickets turn out to be invalid or fake. Be sure to buy from a highly rated seller with a history of good reviews. Avoid brand new sellers with no ratings. Sort by ‘Best Value’ instead of ‘Lowest Price’ for better deals on verified tickets.
Vivid Seats
Vivid Seats is a safe and accredited resale marketplace with over 6 million tickets sold annually. They use industry leading security technology to validate all tickets. There is a 100% Buyer Guarantee against fraudulent sellers. Make sure to read seller ratings, only purchase from highly rated vendors, and avoid brand new accounts without an established history. Vivid Seats offers fair market value pricing less than competitors.
SeatGeek
SeatGeek is a reputable resale platform with a large inventory of concert and event tickets. They use Deal Score algorithms to rate ticket listings, making it easier to identify good deals. There is also a Buyer Guarantee against fraud. SeatGeek excels at finding last minute concert tickets for sold out shows. Make sure to vet sellers carefully, looking at reviews and ratings before purchasing.
eBay
Surprisingly, eBay can actually be a reasonably safe option for buying concert tickets resale if you take the right precautions. Scrutinize seller profiles very carefully, only buying from reputable vendors with excellent ratings and large numbers of reviews. Avoid any sellers with zero feedback or negative reviews. Also beware prices that seem too good to be true. Authentic tickets don’t tend to get heavily discounted on eBay. Pay with a credit card for added fraud protection.
Safety Tips for Buying Concert Tickets Online
Here are some key tips to follow for safely buying real concert tickets online and avoiding scams:
– Stick to official ticket outlets like Ticketmaster whenever possible. Only use resale sites as a last resort for sold out shows.
– Research sellers thoroughly before making any purchases from resellers. Verify they have authentic positive ratings.
– Read ticket listings closely to make sure all details match the actual event, including act names, venue, date and seat info.
– Avoid buying from Craigslist, social media or other peer-to-peer platforms with no seller vetting or protections.
– Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, like tickets below face value. This is a red flag.
– Pay with a credit card when possible for added fraud protection and ability to dispute charges if necessary.
– Ensure the website has protections in place like a guarantee against fake or invalid tickets.
– Print tickets and order confirmations to bring as backup in case of any disputes over validity.
– Register purchased tickets in your name on the venue or artist website when possible.
– Transfer mobile tickets to your own app wallet through safe digital transfer, never by screenshot.
Spotting Fake or Scam Sellers
Here are some warning signs a concert ticket seller may be fraudulent:
– No seller ratings and reviews or a suspicious looking profile.
– Listed prices far below face value or market price.
– Stock photos instead of actual ticket images.
– Mismatched seat numbers and ticket barcodes.
– Requests wire transfer or gift card payments.
– Will call only tickets with no electronic transfer option.
– Missing or vague event details like venue name and concert date.
– Poor grammar, spelling errors or typos.
– Aggressive demands to buy fast before tickets sell out.
– No guarantee, liability coverage or fraud protection from the website.
What to Do if Scammed for Fake Tickets
If you are the victim of a fake ticket scam, here are steps to take:
– Immediately call your credit card company to report the fraud and request a chargeback. Send evidence the tickets are fake.
– File reports with the FTC, IC3 and your local law enforcement agency. Provide any seller details.
– Notify the website or app where you purchased the tickets about the scammy seller.
– Check if the ticket site has a guarantee they can compensate you under. Submit required documentation.
– Carefully review the event venue and promoter’s ticket policies. There may be recourse through them.
– Reach out to artist fan clubs or VIP groups – they sometimes have extra tickets or resources to help fans with fake ticket issues.
– As a last resort, explain your situation to box office staff at the event. They may offer discounted last minute tickets if available.
– Going forward, only use reputable sellers and sites so you don’t get scammed again. Learn how to spot frauds.
Top Recommended Sites to Safely Buy Concert Tickets
Based on factors like buyer protections, fraud prevention measures and ratings, here are the top recommended websites for safely buying authentic concert tickets:
Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster remains the premier and most trusted source for official concert tickets with no risk of fakes. Massive inventory and seamless digital delivery.
StubHub
Extensive inventory of resale concert tickets with rigid buyer guarantee against fraud. Thorough seller vetting provides added security.
Vivid Seats
Excellent Buyer Guarantee policy combined with competitive market based pricing makes them a top resale choice.
AXS
Official partner for premier venues globally. Safe 1st party digital ticketing services directly from the source. No hidden fees.
SeatGeek
Reliable resale site with innovative Deal Score pricing model to identify good ticket values. Full fraud protection.
Eventbrite
Leading source for smaller, more local concert events. Secure ticketing comes directly from the event organizers and promoters.
Live Nation
As the world’s largest concert promoter, Live Nation’s official site is a safe option for major tour and festival tickets.
Bandsintown
Music app with integrated concert tickets. All tickets come directly from artists and promoters. Guaranteed valid.
Website | Type | Buyer Protection |
---|---|---|
Ticketmaster | Official Primary | Strong |
StubHub | Resale Marketplace | FanProtect Guarantee |
Vivid Seats | Resale Marketplace | 100% Buyer Guarantee |
AXS | Official Primary | Fair Pricing Promise |
SeatGeek | Resale Marketplace | Buyer Guarantee |
Eventbrite | Official Primary | Fraud Protection |
Live Nation | Official Primary | Secure Official Ticketing |
Bandsintown | Official Primary App | 100% Valid Tickets |
Conclusion
There are certainly risks when buying concert tickets online, but choosing trusted primary and secondary market sellers helps mitigate those risks. Always scrutinize seller reputations and look for comprehensive buyer fraud protection guarantees. Official sources like Ticketmaster and AXS are naturally most ideal for guaranteed valid event tickets. Reputable resellers like StubHub and Vivid Seats also provide high levels of security and screening for a safe ticket buying experience. Exercising caution, being patient, and only using recommended websites will help you purchase authentic concert tickets online and avoid falling victim to scams.