Buying tickets from Ticketmaster should be a safe and secure experience. However, scammers often take advantage of popular events to trick eager fans into paying for fake or invalid tickets. Here’s how to recognize some common Ticketmaster scams so you don’t fall victim.
Only buy from official sources
Ticketmaster is the official primary ticket outlet for many major events and venues. Make sure you only buy from Ticketmaster.com or the Ticketmaster app. Do not purchase tickets from 3rd party sites, classified ads, Craigslist, eBay, or scalpers outside the venue.
Watch out for too-good-to-be true prices
If you see tickets being sold well below face value, it’s probably a scam. Ticketmaster tickets will rarely be discounted significantly unless the event is not very popular. Be very wary of sellers offering tickets at a huge discount to face value.
Fake ticket alerts
Sometimes scammers will copy and paste information, barcodes, and images from real tickets to create convincing fakes. Always cross-reference the ticket info against the info on your Ticketmaster account. If there are any inconsistencies, it is likely a scam.
Only use SafeTix
Ticketmaster’s SafeTix system provides protected PDF tickets that can be verified as authentic. The barcode only works once so it can’t be duplicated. Beware of jpg, png, or printed tickets which could easily be fakes.
Avoid wire transfers and prepaid cards
Scammers often insist on payment by wire transfer or prepaid debit/credit cards. These methods are untraceable and the money can not be recovered if the tickets don’t arrive or are fake. Only pay using credit cards so you have recourse if something goes wrong.
Only use official contact info
Scammers often create fake customer service numbers and email addresses pretending to be Ticketmaster. To avoid being tricked, only contact Ticketmaster via their official website and app.
Don’t fall for sob stories
Beware of individuals trying to sell tickets with a sob story, claiming they can no longer attend the event due to an emergency or sickness. This is a common ploy to get your sympathy and trick you into buying fake or invalid tickets.
Use verified resale platforms
If buying tickets resale from another fan, only use Ticketmaster’s verified resale platform. StubHub is also an authorized reseller. These sites guarantee valid tickets and allow you to recoup your money if there is an issue.
Never pay with non-refundable payment methods
Scammers often demand payment via Zelle, Venmo, PayPal Friends and Family, cryptocurrency, or other non-refundable platforms. Only pay using a credit card or PayPal Goods and Services so you have recourse if the tickets don’t arrive.
Beware of fake ticket customer service numbers
Scammers set up fake 800 numbers pretending to be Ticketmaster customer service. If you have an issue with your tickets, always confirm you are calling the official Ticketmaster customer service line before providing any personal or payment information.
Only trust official Ticketmaster emails
Be wary of any emails regarding ticket purchases that do not come directly from a Ticketmaster.com email address. Fake Ticketmaster emails are a common phishing scam used to steal your personal information.
Inspect the tickets carefully
Compare any tickets you receive to images of real tickets, looking for differences and errors. Some things to look for are inconsistencies in fonts, colors, and paper quality. The proximity of details can also be a red flag.
Google the seller’s name and number
Before buying from an individual ticket seller, search for their name and phone number online paired with keywords like “scam” or “fake tickets”. This can sometimes reveal reports and warnings if the seller has scammed others in the past.
Don’t believe unrealistic claims
If a seller claims to have prime seats like front row or VIP for heavily discounted prices, they are most likely lying. Good seats for hot events will command top dollar. Be wary of sellers making unrealistic claims about what seats they can provide.
Only buy from official fan exchanges
Many teams, artists, and venues operate official ticket exchanges or fan resale marketplaces. These are the safest places to purchase resale tickets from other fans. Do not buy tickets on general resale sites.
Research the event and venue
Make sure you know key details about the event date, time, venue, seating chart, and layout before buying tickets. Scammers often take advantage of uninformed buyers with details that don’t add up.
Avoid buying tickets at the last minute
Scammers target desperate last minute shoppers who don’t have time to thoroughly vet tickets. Avoid buying tickets the day of or week before an event, as you are more vulnerable to scams with the pressure of limited time.
Use a credit card for purchases
Always pay with a credit card when purchasing tickets online. Credit cards have strong fraud protection and allow you to dispute charges if the tickets end up being fraudulent. Debit cards, wire transfers, and cash have no such safety net.
Check refund and exchange policies
Understanding the ticket seller’s refund, exchange, and cancellation policies can provide peace of mind. Make sure you are comfortable with their policies before purchasing tickets in case something comes up on your end that prevents you from attending.
Conclusion
With scammers constantly coming up with new tactics, buying tickets online requires diligence. But you can avoid being scammed by only purchasing from official sources like Ticketmaster, using protected payment methods, researching sellers, inspecting tickets carefully, and trusting your gut if something seems suspicious. Being an informed buyer is your best defense against online ticket scams.
