When purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster, providing a phone number is optional in many cases. However, for some events or ticket types, submitting a phone number may be required to complete the ticket buying process.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers on whether a phone number is required on Ticketmaster:
- For most events and ticket types, a phone number is optional when purchasing tickets.
- Phone numbers may be required for hot events, concerts, or sporting events where tickets are expected to sell out quickly.
- Purchasing tickets logged in to a Ticketmaster account typically does not require a phone number.
- Creating a new Ticketmaster account often requires providing a phone number for verification.
- Ticketmaster may prompt for a phone number if detected information does not match its identity verification system.
So in summary – a phone number is optional in many cases, but required for some event types or high-demand tickets. Providing your phone number can help with ticket verification and make the purchasing process smoother.
When is a Phone Number Required on Ticketmaster?
Here are some common scenarios when Ticketmaster will require a phone number during the ticket buying process:
- Purchasing tickets for very popular concerts, shows, or sporting events that are expected to sell out quickly. This includes things like playoff games or championship events.
- Buying platinum tickets, which are dynamic priced tickets for hot events. Phone verification helps cut down on bots and ensures real fans get tickets.
- Purchasing a large quantity of tickets for a single event. Say buying 8+ tickets.
- Using a coupon code, promo offer, or special ticket package. Extra verification prevents fraud or misuse.
- Selecting “Will Call” ticket delivery option instead of electronic tickets. The venue needs a phone number to verify the ticket holder at Will Call.
In these high-demand situations, Ticketmaster requires a phone number to help with ticket verification and make sure tickets get into the hands of genuine fans. The phone number provides an extra layer of security and identification.
When is a Phone Number Optional on Ticketmaster?
In many cases, providing a phone number is completely optional and not required on Ticketmaster. Here are some examples:
- Purchasing normal tickets for events that are not sold out. This could include early sales before demand spikes.
- Buying tickets when logged into an existing Ticketmaster account. An account provides user verification.
- Using an electronic ticket delivery method like Mobile Entry or Print-at-Home tickets. No Will Call pickup required.
- Shopping for tickets on the Ticketmaster website without completing the purchase flow. Phone number not needed to browse.
- Making a small ticket purchase of 1 or 2 tickets. Large volume purchases typically require extra verification.
In these cases, Ticketmaster allows customers to bypass entering a phone number at checkout if not needed for verification. Purchasing tickets is streamlined for less high-demand events.
Tips for Purchasing Tickets Without a Phone Number
Here are some tips for fans who want to purchase tickets on Ticketmaster without having to provide a phone number:
- Create a Ticketmaster account ahead of time. Log into your account when purchasing tickets.
- Opt for electronic ticket delivery methods like Mobile Entry via the Ticketmaster app.
- Avoid Will Call ticket pickup which requires phone verification at the venue box office.
- Buy tickets early when demand is lower and verification less stringent.
- Stick to buying just 1 or 2 tickets instead of large groups.
- Only purchase regular-priced tickets, not platinum seats or dynamic priced tickets.
Following these tips will increase the likelihood of being able to buy tickets directly on the Ticketmaster website without having to enter a phone number. However, be prepared to provide a phone number if purchasing hot tickets in high demand.
Creating a Ticketmaster Account Without a Phone Number
Ticketmaster requires a phone number when initially creating a new user account. This is to verify identity and prevent fake account creation. However, there are some workaround methods that may allow creating an account without a phone number.
Using a Google Voice Number
Google Voice provides free virtual phone numbers that can receive SMS texts. You can create a Google Voice number without a real phone, then use this virtual number when Ticketmaster requests a phone verification during account creation. Once your account is setup, a phone number is no longer required for future logins.
Purchasing Tickets as a Guest
Ticketmaster allows purchasing tickets as a guest without an account. This skips phone verification. However, guest checkout provides less convenience for managing tickets. You can’t access tickets if cookies/browser data is lost unless you previously recorded order details separately.
Using a Friend or Family Member’s Number
Provide the phone number of a trusted friend or family member when creating your Ticketmaster account. Make sure they can relay the verification code to you. Once your account is created, you can remove their number and a phone is no longer required.
Contacting Ticketmaster Support
In some limited cases, you may be able to contact Ticketmaster customer support and explain your situation if you do not have access to a phone number. While Ticketmaster may refuse to waive the requirement, their support staff can sometimes make exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
It’s recommended to purchase a cheap prepaid SIM card or use Google Voice rather than pleading with customer service. But in certain scenarios, it may be worth contacting support if you have no other phone verification options available.
Conclusion
While Ticketmaster does not always mandate entering a phone number, it is required in many high-demand situations for ticket verification purposes. Creating a Ticketmaster account also typically involves SMS text verification via phone when initially setting up your profile.
Purchasing high-demand tickets for sold out events, buying platinum tickets, or selecting Will Call delivery will often require supplying a working phone number. But for normal demand events and electronic delivery, a number is usually optional.
Using an existing Ticketmaster login, buying early before a rush, and keeping your order small are tips for avoiding phone verification. In a pinch, Google Voice or borrowing a friend/family member’s number can provide a temporary solution as well.
Overall, while inconvenient for some fans, Ticketmaster’s phone number requirements help ensure fair ticket access and deter fraud for in-demand shows and games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a phone number required for all Ticketmaster purchases?
No, a phone number is only required for certain events and situations on Ticketmaster. For many normal purchases, a phone number is optional to provide at checkout.
Can you buy from Ticketmaster without an account?
Yes, Ticketmaster allows purchasing tickets as a guest without creating an account. However, guest checkout provides less convenience in managing your ticket order after purchase.
Does Ticketmaster accept Google Voice numbers?
Yes, Ticketmaster allows using Google Voice numbers for receiving call and SMS-based verification when required during the ticketing process.
What if I don’t have a phone number to give Ticketmaster?
For those without access to a phone number, workarounds include temporarily using a number from a friend/family member, contacting Ticketmaster support, or purchasing a cheap prepaid SIM card just for verification purposes.
Can Ticketmaster ticket delivery be changed after purchase?
Maybe. If delivery was not already completed, you can contact Ticketmaster support to change the delivery method for your tickets. Certain restrictions may apply.
Ticketmaster Scenario | Is Phone Number Required? |
---|---|
Buying platinum tickets for a sold out show | Yes |
Purchasing 8 tickets to a basketball playoffs game | Yes |
Buying regular price tickets while logged into Ticketmaster account | No |
Purchasing 2 early bird concert tickets 6 months before the event | No |
Selecting “Will Call” delivery instead of electronic tickets | Yes |
This table summarizes when a phone number is typically required or optional in various Ticketmaster purchase scenarios.
How Ticketmaster’s Verification System Works
Ticketmaster utilizes a variety of methods for verifying customer identity and detecting suspicious activity during the ticketing process. This helps ensure fair ticket access and prevent bots or scalpers from abusing the system.
Some of the key ways Ticketmaster verifies customers include:
- Requiring phone number verification via text code for new user account registration
- Leveraging phone ID systems to match numbers against user profiles
- Enabling two-factor authentication via phone numbers for Ticketmaster accounts
- Analyzing user purchase history and activity to detect suspicious patterns
- Limiting ticket purchase quantities and rates to deter scalping
- Using phone verification for high-demand tickets or large orders
Ticketmaster also utilizes tools like reCAPTCHA on their website to deter bots. Customer support staff will investigate suspicious transactions and cancel orders if fraud or scalping is detected.
In summary, phone verification is a key component of Ticketmaster’s initiatives to keep hot tickets available for genuine fans. While sometimes inconvenient, these measures help make ticket buying more fair and secure.
Tips for Avoiding Ticketmaster Phone Verification
Here are some top tips for avoiding having to provide a phone number when purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster:
- Create a Ticketmaster account and purchase tickets while logged in to your profile.
- Opt for electronic ticket delivery methods like Mobile Entry rather than Will Call pickup.
- Buy tickets for low demand events where verification processes are more lax.
- Purchase tickets well in advance of events before demand spikes.
- Stick to buying just 1 or 2 tickets instead of large group orders.
- Use prepaid credit cards for added anonymity if your orders require phone verification.
- Consider using a Google Voice number or borrowing a trusted person’s number temporarily.
- Avoid platinum tickets or other special packages that often require extra verification.
Keep in mind these tips do not always guarantee avoiding phone verification, as requirements can vary by event. But following this guidance maximizes your chances of a phone number-free ticket buying experience.
How to Purchase Tickets Anonymously on Ticketmaster
Purchasing tickets completely anonymously on Ticketmaster is challenging due to their verification processes. However, here are some tips that can help preserve partial anonymity when ordering tickets:
- Use a VPN or proxy service to mask your IP address.
- Create a new Ticketmaster account with an email just for tickets.
- Use prepaid credit cards not tied to your identity.
- Provide a Google Voice number or borrow a friend/family member’s number.
- Avoid Will Call and opt for Mobile Entry delivery instead.
- Make purchases from a public network rather than your home IP address.
- Buy just 1 or 2 tickets to avoid excessive verification.
- Clear cookies and browsing data after purchasing tickets.
Keep in mind these steps may still result in phone verification being required for high-demand events. But following this guidance can help maximize anonymity where possible when using Ticketmaster.
How Ticket Brokers Avoid Phone Verification
Ticket brokers often employ various tactics to purchase large quantities of tickets on Ticketmaster without having to provide valid phone verification repeatedly.
Some of the ways ticket brokers dodge phone verification include:
- Using an automated ticketing bot that can rapidly cycle through different proxy IP addresses and fake user accounts.
- Leveraging hundreds of virtual phone numbers from services like Google Voice.
- Masking their activity across a large residential IP proxy network to appear like normal users.
- Spoofing real user devices like iPhones to mimic human ticket buying behavior.
- Collaborating with other brokers to share and rotate phone numbers.
- Using insider contacts at telcos to acquire recycled phone numbers.
In general, going to great lengths to engineer large-scale methods for circumventing Ticketmaster’s phone verification system. This often violates Ticketmaster’s Terms of Service.
The Ethics of Requiring Phone Numbers
Ticketmaster requiring phone numbers raises some ethical concerns for consumers:
- Invasiveness – Many consumers see providing a phone number as overly intrusive just to buy a ticket.
- Data privacy – It gives Ticketmaster increased customer data which could be monetized or compromised.
- Exclusivity – Phone verification makes ticket buying harder for those without phone access.
- No anonymity – Having to provide a personal number removes anonymity for ticket purchases.
However, Ticketmaster argues phone numbers are essential for:
- Fairness – Helps prevent scalping bots and ensure average fans can buy hot tickets.
- Security – Adds critical identity verification safeguards to the ticketing process.
- Anti-fraud – Detects and deter scammers misusing promos, coupons, or resale.
- Metrics – Allows Ticketmaster to analyze activity patterns and improve systems.
Overall there are reasonable arguments on both sides of this issue. Consumers desire privacy, while Ticketmaster asserts phone requirements enable broader fair access.
The Future of Ticketmaster Verification
Looking ahead, Ticketmaster will likely continue evolving their verification systems through increased use of:
- Facial recognition – Can visually identify individuals to prevent account sharing for ticket purchases.
- IP monitoring – Analyzing IP patterns to flag suspicious ticketing activity.
- AI fraud detection – Advanced AI models trained to detect and deny bot activity.
- Account security – Wider use of multi-factor authentication via apps or biometrics.
Phone numbers will remain a key component given the ubiquity of cell phones for identity verification. But new technology could help Ticketmaster fight ticket fraud while reducing consumer friction points.
More extensive identity checks may be a continued nuisance for some customers. But enhancing security and fairness across the ticketing process could make getting those hard-to-find tickets a bit easier.