The convenience of purchasing tickets online has revolutionized the way we attend concerts, sports events, theater performances, and more. However, the rise of digital ticket sales has also given rise to scams that target unsuspecting buyers. Online ticketing platform scams are an ever growing concern for consumers and can result in financial loss, personal information theft, and of course, missed events.
What Are Online Ticketing Platform Scams?
Online ticketing scams occur when fraudsters manage to trick ticket buyers into purchasing counterfeit or non-existent tickets. These scams often happen on unofficial third-party websites, social media, and even through direct messaging. In some cases, these scams have even taken place on legitimate third-party websites. Scammers may offer seemingly legitimate tickets at discounted prices or they may offer ‘hard to get tickets’, and if you don’t hurry up and buy, you will lose out!
Common Types of Online Ticketing Scams
Fake Ticket Websites
Scammers create fake websites that look similar to legitimate ticketing platforms (such as Ticketmaster, StubHub, or SeatGeek). These counterfeit sites may offer tickets for popular events at prices that seem too good to be true. Once you enter your payment details, the scammer disappears, and you are left with nothing except a depleted bank account and no ticket to show off to your friends.
How to Spot: Look for website inconsistencies, such as misspelled names, strange URLs, or unprofessional designs. Always verify the website’s legitimacy by checking the URL for the secure “https” and reading user reviews.
Fake Listings on Legitimate Platforms
Some scammers use reputable online marketplaces to post fake or invalid tickets. They may claim to have tickets for sold-out events or offer them at prices below market value. Once you purchase, they either send you invalid tickets or disappear entirely.
How to Spot: Watch out for sellers who are new to the platform, have very few reviews, or are offering tickets at significantly lower prices than usual. Always double-check the event and the ticket type before making a purchase.
Phishing Scams
In phishing scams, scammers pose as legitimate ticketing platforms or event organizers. They send you an email or text message claiming you have won free tickets, or your account requires verification, asking you to click on a link. The link typically leads to a fake site where they ask you to provide personal information, such as credit card details, login credentials, or your Social Security number.
How to Spot: Be cautious of unsolicited emails or texts, especially those that seem urgent or too good to be true. Verify the sender’s information and never click on suspicious links. Always go to the official website to log in or check your account.
Fake Social Media Ticket Sellers
Scammers also take to social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter, advertising discounted or exclusive tickets for major events. They may claim to be “selling extra tickets” and ask for payment through unconventional methods like wire transfers or gift cards. Once the payment is made, the scammer disappears, and no tickets are delivered. According to a survey posted in Business Wire, one in eight consumers who have bought tickets on social media have fallen victim to scams.
How to Spot: Be wary of social media posts with limited information, such as no clear contact details or genuine reviews. If the seller requests unusual payment methods, such as gift cards or wire transfers, it’s a red flag.
Ticket Resale Scams
Resale scams often happen when individuals try to sell tickets they don’t own. Scammers may list tickets for resale, collect payment, and then either fail to deliver the tickets or send counterfeit copies.
How to Spot: Stick to reputable resale platforms that offer buyer protection. Avoid deals where tickets are promised but not yet in your possession. If the tickets are priced suspiciously low, be extra cautious.
How to Protect Yourself from Online Ticketing Scams
- Purchase from Trusted, Official Sources
- Be Wary of Prices That Seem Too Good to Be True
- Double-Check URLs and Website Security (https)
- Look for Verified Sellers and Reviews
- Be Cautious with Payment Methods
- Verify Your Tickets Before the Event
If you encounter a suspicious ticket listing or suspect you’ve been scammed, report the incident to the platform or event organizer immediately. Additionally, file a complaint with organizations like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to help protect others. If you believe you have already been scammed, contact your bank or credit card company. You may be able to dispute the charge and get your money back.
