How to Avoid Ticket Scams: Protect Yourself When Buying

Protecting Yourself from Ticket Scams

Ticket scams cost consumers millions annually. Learn how to spot them and buy safely.

Common Scam Types

1. Counterfeit Tickets

Fake physical or digital tickets that look real but won't scan at the venue.

Signs:

• Blurry barcodes
• Missing security features
• Prices too good to be true
• Seller pressure to buy immediately

2. Duplicate Tickets

Real tickets sold multiple times to different buyers.

How It Works:

• Scammer sells same PDF/screenshot to multiple people
• First person to arrive gets in
• Others left outside

3. Non-Existent Tickets

Seller takes payment but never delivers tickets.

Red Flags:

• New seller accounts
• Won't use protected payment
• Excuses for delayed delivery
• Communication goes dark

Red Flags to Watch

Seller Behavior:

• Pressure to decide quickly
• Requests payment via Venmo/Zelle/Cash App
• Won't meet in person (for local sales)
• New social media account
• Refuses to show proof of tickets
• Only accepts cryptocurrency

Listing Issues:

• Price significantly below market
• Stock photos instead of actual tickets
• Vague seat details
• No refund policy mentioned
• Poor grammar/spelling

Safe Platforms vs Risky Sources

Safe (Buyer Protection):

• Ticketmaster
• SeatGeek
• StubHub
• Vivid Seats
• Official team/venue sites

Risky (Limited Protection):

• Craigslist
• Facebook Marketplace
• Twitter/X sales
• Random websites
• Street scalpers

Very Risky (Avoid):

• Unknown resale sites
• Overseas sellers
• Cash-only deals
• Social media DMs

How Buyer Protection Works

Legitimate platforms offer guarantees:

What's Protected:

• Tickets are valid
• Tickets will be delivered
• Seats match listing
• Full refund if issues

What's Usually NOT Protected:

• Changed mind
• Can't attend
• Event rescheduled (depends on platform)
• Bought wrong tickets

Verification Steps

Before buying from any source:

1. Research the platform - Google "[platform name] scam" and check reviews

2. Check seller ratings - Look for established accounts with history

3. Verify ticket details - Section, row, seat should match venue map

4. Use protected payment - Credit card offers chargeback rights

5. Get written confirmation - Screenshot all details and communication

6. Check transfer method - Mobile transfer is safest

If You're Buying In-Person

Sometimes you need to buy locally:

Safety Tips:

• Meet in public place
• Bring a friend
• Verify ticket authenticity before paying
• Use payment with protection
• Get seller's real contact info

Verification Methods:

• Check barcode with venue app (if available)
• Call venue box office to verify
• Compare to authentic ticket examples
• Look for security features

What to Do If Scammed

If you've been victimized:

1. Document everything - Screenshots, communications, payment records

2. Report to platform - Most have fraud departments

3. Contact payment provider - Dispute the charge

4. File police report - For significant amounts

5. Report to FTC - ftc.gov/complaint

6. Warn others - Leave reviews, post warnings

Getting Your Money Back

Credit Card:

• Contact issuer for chargeback
• Provide documentation
• 60-day window typically

Debit Card:

• Less protection than credit
• Contact bank immediately
• May take longer

Venmo/Zelle:

• Very limited protection
• Report to platform
• Small claims court possible

Cash:

• Almost impossible to recover
• Police report for record

Prevention Checklist

Before every purchase:

• [ ] Using a reputable platform
• [ ] Price isn't suspiciously low
• [ ] Seller has verified history
• [ ] Payment method has protection
• [ ] Can verify ticket authenticity
• [ ] Refund/guarantee policy exists
• [ ] Screenshot all details

Stay safe by using Ticket Scan to compare prices across legitimate platforms only.