Transferring tickets can be risky if you don’t take the right precautions. Scammers often take advantage of people trying to resell tickets, leaving the buyer empty-handed and out of money. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to avoid getting scammed when transferring tickets.
Only use reputable ticket resale platforms
The best way to avoid scams is to only use reputable ticket resale platforms like StubHub and Vivid Seats. These sites offer buyer guarantees and seller protections, so you can feel confident that any tickets you buy are legitimate. Here are some things reputable platforms offer:
- Guarantees – They promise refunds if tickets turn out to be fraudulent.
- Screened sellers – Sellers are screened to prevent scammers.
- Secure transfers – Tickets are transferred securely from seller to buyer.
- Customer support – You can get help quickly if any issues come up.
Scammers are far less likely to operate on these kinds of mainstream resale sites. Stick to well-known platforms and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true on lesser-known sites.
Avoid transfers outside of the platform
When you buy tickets on a resale platform, stick to their standardized transfer process. Some scammers will try to persuade you to pay them directly and bypass the platform’s protections. They may offer a deal if you Venmo or PayPal them instead. Don’t fall for this! Transferring money and tickets outside of the platform leaves you with no recourse if you get scammed.
For example, if you buy tickets on StubHub, use StubHub’s official transfer process. Pay for the tickets on their site or app, and then accept the ticket transfer. Avoid paying the seller directly via payment apps, email, or other methods. The same rule applies for other major platforms.
Watch out for common tactics scammers use
Scammers use some common tricks and tactics to find victims. Watch out for these red flags when buying tickets:
- Too good to be true prices – If ticket prices are drastically below face value or undercut other resale prices, it’s likely a scam.
- High pressure tactics – Scammers may try to pressure you into buying fast before you have time to think.
- Sob stories – They often use made-up emergencies or tough circumstances to get your sympathy.
- Requests for gift cards – Scammers may ask you to pay with gift cards which are untraceable.
Use your best judgment and be wary whenever sellers seem pushy, nervous, or forceful about unusual requests. Legitimate sellers won’t pressure you to bypass normal transfer procedures.
Ask for & check seller credentials
Before buying tickets, ask the seller for credentials that prove they actually have the tickets. For digital tickets, ask for a screenshot showing the seller logged into the original ticket account. For physical tickets, ask them to send a photo or video of the tickets in-hand.
You can also cross-check the seller’s name, email, and other info against public records. Search for them on social media to see if they seem like a real person. Scammers often use fake profiles and credentials.
Google the ticket listing
Copy and paste the ticket listing into Google to see if it comes up on any scam warning sites. You may find reports of the same listing being used to scam other people. This is an easy way to do some quick vetting.
Inspect tickets carefully upon transfer
When you actually receive the transferred tickets, inspect them closely to verify authenticity. Here are some things to look for:
- Ticket details match the event, seating location, date, etc.
- Security features like holograms, QR codes, barcodes are present.
- No alteration, discoloration, misspellings, or other signs of forgery.
Digital tickets should come directly from the original ticket account. Double check the ticket account name to make sure it matches the seller’s credentials.
Use secure & traceable payment methods
Never pay cash for online ticket transfers, as it’s impossible to get your money back in a scam. Use credit cards when possible, as you can dispute the charges if the tickets are fraudulent. Other secure payment options include:
- StubHub, VividSeats – Pay directly through the platform for buyer protection.
- PayPal Goods & Services – Offers buyer protection policies.
- Apple Pay, Google Pay – Better security features than direct bank transfers.
Avoid methods like bank wires, cash apps, gift cards, or cryptocurrency that are highly untraceable. Only use payment methods that offer fraud protection in case things go wrong.
Meet in person for cash exchanges
If you must pay cash for tickets, only do so in-person after verifying ticket legitimacy. Arrange to meet in a safe public place like a cafe or bank lobby. Avoid isolated meetup spots proposed by the seller. Bring a friend or family member with you for extra precaution.
Upon meeting, carefully inspect the tickets and seller’s credentials first. Only complete the transaction if you feel comfortable everything is authentic. Having a companion also discourages the seller from trying anything fraudulent.
Trust your instincts
If something seems suspicious, sketchy, or too good to be true, trust your instincts. Don’t ignore red flags just because you really want the tickets. It’s better to pass up a potential deal than get outright scammed. Whenever you feel reluctant, uneasy, or unsure, just walk away.
What if I’ve already been scammed?
If you completed a fraudulent ticket transfer, take these steps as soon as possible:
- Contact your bank/payment provider – Report the scam and dispute the charges if you can.
- Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Report it to the ticket platform if it was listed there.
- Leave online reviews warning others about the scam.
- Contact local law enforcement to file a report.
Your money may still be gone, but these steps can potentially help catch the scammer and prevent others from being victimized.
Conclusion
Transferring tickets doesn’t have to be nerve-wracking. Just use reputable platforms, avoid risky payment methods, verify sellers, inspect all tickets, and trust your gut. If a deal seems sketchy at all, just walk away – it’s not worth the risk. Be vigilant and take preventative measures, and you can buy resale tickets without fear of scams.