With concert tickets being in such high demand these days, especially for popular bands like Coldplay, it’s important to make sure the tickets you buy are authentic before the big event. Nothing’s worse than showing up at the venue excited for the show, only to find out your tickets were fake. So how do you verify your Coldplay tickets are legit? Here are some tips:
Buy From Official Sources
The best way to ensure your Coldplay tickets are valid is to purchase them directly from the band’s official website or an authorized seller like Ticketmaster. While you may find cheaper tickets on secondary marketplaces like StubHub, Craigslist or eBay, there’s a much higher risk of fraud and counterfeits. Buy from the source for peace of mind. If purchasing resale tickets, make sure the seller is fully vetted, reputable and guarantees ticket authenticity.
Check Security Features
Authentic event tickets have special security features that are hard to replicate. Check that your Coldplay tickets have some of these features:
- Thermal ink printing – This is usually visible under a flashlight and says “official ticket” or the ticket seller’s name.
- Holograms – Microprint images that appear and disappear depending on the viewing angle.
- Watermarks – Faint images ingrained in the ticket background.
- Thick paper stock – Fake tickets tend to be printed on regular paper.
- Perforations/cut marks – Small holes or indentations in strategic places.
- Serial numbers – Unique codes that can be used to verify a ticket.
- Heat sensitive ink – Color changes when rubbed.
Keep in mind that Ticketmaster has its own patented security system, so features will differ for officially purchased tickets. But in general, authentic tickets have distinguishing marks to prevent fraud.
Register the Ticket
Many major ticket sellers now allow you to register your ticket on their website by entering the serial number. This assigns the ticket to your name and confirms it is legit. You can usually add it to your online account for safekeeping too. Registration can also protect you if your physical tickets are lost, stolen or damaged.
Download the Concert App
More bands and venues are requiring fans to download their official app to display tickets on your smartphone. Coldplay may end up using this type of mobile ticketing, which adds a QR code that is scanned for entry. This completely eliminates the risk of counterfeit hard tickets. Just make sure you register your app tickets to the correct name.
Compare Your Tickets
If you purchased tickets from an individual seller, do a quick comparison to real Coldplay tickets from the same concert. Look at the seat info, sizing, fonts, colors, logos and security features to see if they line up. This can help identify any obvious red flags. You may even ask the seller for a photo of their ticket to inspect before purchasing.
Look Up the Seats
Most venue seating charts are available online. Find your specific seat numbers for the Coldplay concert and make sure they actually exist. Scammers sometimes sell tickets for seats that the venue doesn’t have. Also check that the seat numbers match what’s written on your physical tickets.
Research the Seller
If buying from an individual or resale marketplace, research the reputation of the seller. Look for reviews, complaints and feedback from previous buyers. Ask questions about how long they’ve had the tickets, where they purchased them originally and why they’re selling. A scam artist will be hesitant to provide background details. An ethical seller will be transparent.
Get Tickets Insured
Major ticket brokers like StubHub offer ticket insurance for an added fee in case your tickets end up being fraudulent or you’re denied entry. This protects you from losing the entire ticket value, giving peace of mind even when buying from riskier secondary markets. Just read the coverage details closely.
Test Ticket Scanning
Some ticket resellers will let you test scanning your ticket barcode before fully committing to the purchase. While not foolproof, this gives you a chance to verify the barcode is functional and associated with correct seats before paying. Just make sure you are on a secure internet connection if wirelessly transferring any ticket info.
Use a Credit Card
Always pay for event tickets with a credit card. That way if your Coldplay tickets do turn out to be fake or stolen, you can contest the charges with your card company for a refund. Having a paper trail linked to the seller is key. Debit cards and wire transfers don’t offer the same buyer protection.
Confirm Order Details
Before completing any ticket order, carefully review all details including the total price, fees, seat info, seller name, delivery method and exact payment. Make sure they match what you discussed with the seller originally. If anything seems off, clarify before paying as it could signal a scam.
Inspect Tickets Upon Arrival
When your Coldplay tickets are delivered, thoroughly inspect them for all security features and match them against photos from the venue. Make sure all the details look accurate including the seating chart. Fake tickets commonly have spelling errors, blurred images and other imperfections. Report any discrepancies immediately.
Act Fast if Scammed
If despite your best efforts you still end up with fake tickets, act quickly. Report the fraud to the seller/website and your credit card company. File complaints with agencies like the Better Business Bureau and Federal Trade Commission. Also alert other fans by leaving online reviews. You may end up eating the cost, but your actions can help prevent future scam victims.
Conclusion
While scammers are getting increasingly sophisticated, there are multiple precautions you can take to avoid counterfeit Coldplay tickets. Purchase from trusted sources, authenticate security features, register/insure the tickets and vet sellers. With proper verification, you can have peace of mind that your seats for the big show are legit.
