If you have been blocked or banned from purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster, the length of time you are prohibited from accessing their platform can vary based on the reason for the block. Ticketmaster enforces blocks and bans to maintain a safe, fair and reliable ticket buying experience.
Reasons for getting blocked by Ticketmaster
Here are some of the main reasons Ticketmaster may block you from purchasing tickets or accessing your account:
- Exceeding ticket purchase limits – Ticketmaster sets limits on the number of tickets a single customer can purchase for popular events. If you exceed those limits, your account may be temporarily blocked.
- Suspected ticket scalping or resale – If Ticketmaster suspects you are purchasing tickets solely to resell them at a higher price, your account may be banned.
- Fraudulent activity – Actions like using stolen payment cards or credit card chargebacks can lead to an indefinite ban.
- Multiple failed purchases – Making too many purchases that fail or get cancelled due to insufficient funds or other issues can trigger a block.
- Abusing promotions or presales – Trying to take advantage of presales, promo codes or other offers you are not eligible for can result in restrictions.
- Bot use – Using software bots or other automated tools to purchase tickets is strictly prohibited.
Duration of Ticketmaster blocks and bans
If your Ticketmaster account is blocked, how long the restrictions remain in effect depends on why you were blocked in the first place:
- Exceeding ticket limits – You may be blocked from purchasing more tickets for a period of 24 hours to 1 month.
- Suspected scalping – First offense is typically 30 days. Further offenses result in longer bans of 6 months or more.
- Fraud – Using stolen cards or committing credit card fraud will get your account banned indefinitely with no option to reopen.
- Failed purchases – 1 month after multiple failed purchases or cancelled orders.
- Promo abuse – Typically blocked for 30-90 days if you improperly use presale codes or other promotions.
- Bot use – Bot detection will lead to an indefinite ban and device blocking.
In most cases, the block period is temporary, and your access will be restored after the timeout passes. But repeated or serious violations can result in permanent account termination.
How to get your Ticketmaster account unblocked
If your Ticketmaster account has been temporarily blocked, there are a few things you can do to get it reactivated sooner:
- Wait for timeout – If it’s a short block, just wait for the time period to pass and access should be restored.
- Reset password – Sometimes resetting your password can help lift short blocks.
- Use different payment – If failed payments triggered the block, add new payment sources to your account.
- Contact support – You may be able to appeal the block if you contact Ticketmaster customer service.
- Verify your account – Completing identity verification steps may help lift restrictions.
- Stop prohibited activity – Make sure you are no longer violating policies like bulk buying limits.
However, if your account has been permanently closed due to fraudulent purchases or other serious violations, there is usually no way to get it reinstated. You will have to create a new Ticketmaster account completely separate from the banned one.
Tips to avoid getting blocked by Ticketmaster
Here are some tips to follow so you avoid having your Ticketmaster account suspended when purchasing tickets:
- Use only 1 account – Having multiple accounts can appear like bulk buying.
- Follow ticket limits – Carefully follow all per customer ticket purchase limits.
- Use personal payment – Don’t buy tickets for others using your payment details.
- Cancel unused tickets – Return any tickets you cannot use to avoid failed order blocks.
- Don’t auto-fill forms – Typing info manually looks less bot-like.
- Beware third parties – Reselling sites often break policies and get accounts blocked.
- Verify your account – Completing identity verification can reduce risk of blocks.
Avoiding common pitfalls like exceeding posted ticket limits, excessive cancelled orders, and account sharing is key to maintaining access to your Ticketmaster account for all events.
Contact Ticketmaster support for help
If your Ticketmaster account has been blocked and you are having trouble getting it reactivated, or if you believe the block was imposed unfairly or in error, the best option is to contact their customer support team directly for assistance.
You can reach out to Ticketmaster support by:
- Calling their support line at 1-800-653-8000 (open daily from 7AM – 9PM).
- Initiating a live chat on their website during business hours.
- Emailing them at [email protected] with details on your blocking issue.
- Contacting via social media channels like Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
When you contact Ticketmaster support, make sure to have key details available like your order numbers, account username or email, and any other pertinent information related to the block. Providing as much context as possible will help their team better understand the circumstances and resolve your issue as quickly as possible.
With some patience and persistence in working with their customer support staff, in many cases you can get wrongly imposed blocks removed or temporary suspensions shortened. But be aware there is little recourse if the blocking of your account was warranted due to serious policy violations.