With concert tickets often selling out in minutes, it can be tempting to buy from the first website you find with available tickets. However, there are many unsafe, scam ticket sites out there that you’ll want to avoid. So how do you know which sites are legitimate options for buying real concert tickets? Here are some tips on identifying trustworthy concert ticket websites.
Buy directly from the official ticket seller if possible
The safest option is always buying directly from the official source. Many artists and concert venues sell tickets through their own official websites. Purchasing through the band’s site or the venue’s box office when available ensures you are getting valid tickets sold at face value. This avoids all the risks that come with secondary market resellers. Check the concert info page or announcements to find the official ticket outlet.
Research the site’s reputation online
Before purchasing from a concert ticket site, research reviews and complaints from other customers. Search the company name along with terms like “reviews,” “complaints,” or “scam.” Legitimate ticket sellers should have predominantly positive feedback. Be on the lookout for repeated complaints about invalid tickets, hidden fees, billing issues, or not receiving tickets at all. These are signs to avoid the site.
Look for signs of security and anti-fraud measures
Reputable ticket sites will have measures in place to keep your purchase secure and prevent fraud. Look for the following:
- Secure checkout with HTTPS encrypted connections
- Contact information readily available to reach customer service
- Refund policies in case of event cancellation
- Consumer protections like identity verification
- Partnerships with anti-fraud groups
Sites without adequate security processes in place are higher risk for scams and fake ticket sales.
Avoid red flags of potential scam sites
Some key red flags to watch out for that may indicate an unsafe concert ticket website include:
- Prices that are much higher or lower than face value
- Requests for unusual payment methods like wire transfers or gift cards
- No physical address listed on the website
- No customer service phone number available
- Misspellings, grammatical errors, or unprofessional looking site
- No Verisign or McAfee SECURE certification shown
Use caution when any of these factors are present, as they often indicate a scam site selling fake or stolen tickets.
Check site reviews from trustworthy sources
One of the best ways to vet an unknown concert ticket website is to check reviews from reliable consumer advocacy sites. These include:
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) – Reports complaints, reviews, and scam alerts
- Trustpilot – Customer reviews and feedback ratings
- SiteJabber – Reviews on online businesses from verified customers
Low ratings or frequent complaints on these review sites are red flags about a ticket seller. High ratings help confirm a site is legitimate.
Know the safest sites for buying concert tickets
While many smaller resellers can be risky, there are a few large secondary marketplaces that are generally considered safe when the official box office is sold out. These include:
- StubHub – Owned by eBay with FanProtect Guarantee and fraud monitoring
- Vivid Seats – Offers 125% refund if tickets are invalid plus ASSURANCE Guarantee
- Ticketmaster – Official resale marketplace. Verifies all tickets sold and provides a Fan Guarantee refund
- SeatGeek – Uses Deal Score technology to identify best ticket values
Be sure to compare prices across these sites to find the best deals on authentic concert tickets.
Beware of individuals reselling tickets on Craigslist or social media
Buying concert tickets from random sellers on Craigslist, Facebook, Instagram or other platforms has high risks. There is no way to verify if the tickets are real or fake. And if the tickets end up being invalid or already used, you have little recourse to get your money back. Always try to buy from reputable ticket websites when possible.
Use credit cards for purchases when possible
Paying with a credit card gives you additional fraud protection and ability to dispute charges if the tickets end up being fraudulent. Debit cards, wire transfers, gift cards, CashApp or other forms of direct bank payments offer little protections if the tickets are fake or if you never receive them.
Be wary of scams targeting popular concerts
High-demand concerts with limited tickets often bring out scammers offering fake or non-existent tickets. Use extra precaution when buying tickets to sold out or exclusive events. Scammers often advertise hard-to-get tickets to hot shows, taking advantage of excited fans who don’t do their homework on the site’s reputation.
Look out for unrealistic ticket availability claims
Scam sites will often claim to have tickets available for sold out or exclusive concerts that no other site has. This is a trick to make people believe they are getting a special deal. Be very suspicious of any site offering unique ticket availability for high demand events.
Conclusion
While the ticket buying process can be stressful for popular concerts, taking the proper precautions ensures you don’t end up the victim of fraud or fake ticket scams. Research seller reputations, watch for red flags, use trusted marketplaces, and avoid direct person-to-person sales. Paying attention to customer reviews and site security can give you confidence you are purchasing valid concert tickets from a legitimate source.