Purchasing tickets from unauthorized ticket resellers can be risky. Fake tickets can leave you stranded outside the venue with no way to get in. When buying tickets resale, especially for highly sought after concerts or sporting events, it’s important to take steps to ensure your tickets are authentic and will get you through the door.
Check for Official Ticketmaster Verification
If you purchase tickets through Ticketmaster’s verified resale marketplace, Ticketmaster will guarantee those tickets are real. Sellers have to verify their ticket inventory before listing tickets for resale on Ticketmaster. This verification process checks that the seller actually has the tickets in hand and that they are valid originals. Ticketmaster’s verified resale tickets will come with a Ticketmaster Verified icon and an order number you can reference.
What does the Ticketmaster Verified icon look like?
The Ticketmaster Verified icon will appear on the listing page for resale tickets that have gone through Ticketmaster’s authentication process. The icon features the Ticketmaster logo above the word “Verified” in a blue circle. If you don’t see the icon, proceed with caution before purchasing the tickets.
Confirm Your Purchase on Ticketmaster
After purchasing resale tickets on Ticketmaster, you should receive an order confirmation email. Log in to your Ticketmaster account to access your purchase history. Find your ticket order and select “View Order Details.” In the order details, you should see confirmation that your ticket order is verified. This will provide peace of mind that you bought legitimate event tickets.
Check the Ticketmaster App
You can also access your Ticketmaster tickets at any time using the Ticketmaster app. Download the app if you don’t already have it. Log in with your Ticketmaster account info. Your purchased event tickets will be visible in the app. Purchased verified resale tickets will be labeled as such in the app.
Examine Tickets for Authenticity Markers
If purchasing tickets from an unauthorized resale site, take time to closely examine the tickets for authenticity. Some markers to look for include:
- An intact, untampered barcode
- Holograms or foil printing
- Heat sensitive ink
- The original ticket issuer’s logo, such as Ticketmaster or the venue
- A QR code, order number, or certificate ID number you can reference
Fake tickets may be missing these features, have damaged security elements, or feature low quality printing and materials. If details look suspicious, avoid purchasing the tickets.
Can you tell if a ticket is fake by looking at it?
It takes a trained eye to spot a fake ticket just by looking at it. Some signs that indicate a ticket may be fake include:
– Low quality or blurred printing
– Lack of foil accents, holograms, or other security features
– Missing or damaged barcode
– Spelling errors or typos
– Different font sizes or styles
– Irregular ticket shape or size
– Different paper quality or texture
However, counterfeiters are getting increasingly sophisticated. It’s getting harder to visually distinguish fakes as technology improves. Your best bet is to only buy from trusted and authorized sources.
Use a Ticket Resale Verification Service
For extra assurance about ticket authenticity, use a professional ticket verification service. Companies like StubHub and Vivid Seats provide verification guarantees with ticket purchases. Their team of experts examines the tickets and confirms they are valid originals before listing them for resale.
How does StubHub verify tickets?
When sellers list tickets with StubHub, they must submit the ticket details and barcode for verification. StubHub checks the tickets against the issuer’s database to confirm they are real. StubHub also checks tickets right before shipment to identify any changes or cancellations. Buyers receive a 100% refund if StubHub unknowingly sells an invalid ticket.
Does Vivid Seats verify tickets?
Vivid Seats utilizes its own ticket authentication technology when sellers list tickets for resale. They scan the barcode to verify the tickets are valid and original. An alert system notifies them of any ticket cancellations or changes after purchase. Buyers have the option to purchase Vivid Seats’ ticket insurance for extra peace of mind.
Contact the Ticket Issuer
If you purchase paper tickets you suspect might be fake, reach out to the original ticket issuer, like Ticketmaster or the event venue. Many issuers have dedicated customer service teams to handle counterfeit ticket concerns. Provide them the ticket details and barcode number. They can check the barcode against their database to verify if it’s a real ticket they issued. This gives you definitive proof of whether the ticket is authentic and valid for event admission.
Can Ticketmaster tell if a ticket is fake?
Yes, Ticketmaster has methods to identify fake tickets. If you bought a suspicious paper ticket, call Ticketmaster’s customer support line. They will ask for the ticket details. Then they can check the barcode number against their order database. If the barcode shows up as a valid ticket in their system, it’s real. If there’s no match, then it’s a fake.
Get Refunds for Fake Tickets
If you verify that tickets you purchased are counterfeit, you’ll want to get your money back. Where you bought the tickets from and the original ticket issuer’s policies will determine how to get a refund. Some options include:
- File a purchase dispute or chargeback request with your credit card company.
- Report the issue on the resale platform to receive a refund guarantee.
- Contact the ticket issuer about replacement tickets or compensation if their tickets were counterfeited.
Keep records of all your communication and evidence that the tickets are fake. Most places require you to surrender the fraudulent tickets, so don’t discard them too quickly.
Avoid Buying from Unknown Resellers
To reduce your risk of getting stuck with fake tickets, only buy from trusted sellers. Stick to large, well-known resale marketplaces like StubHub and Vivid Seats. Check resellers for signs of legitimacy like a professional website, valid contact info, and years in business. Avoid buying tickets from sellers you can’t thoroughly verify or who don’t provide authentication guarantees.
What are signs a ticket reseller isn’t trustworthy?
Here are some red flags to watch out for when buying tickets from a reseller:
– No refund policy or guarantees
– Poor grammar, typos, or other sloppy website elements
– Limited online information about the business
– Negative reviews and complaints
– Prices that seem too good to be true
– Pressure sales tactics or requests to complete the transaction outside normal methods
If the reseller seems sketchy, it’s best to take your business elsewhere to a more reputable broker.
Conclusion
Buying valid event tickets gives you peace of mind that you’ll get through the door. Take steps to verify ticket authenticity when purchasing from unofficial channels. Buy only from trusted sellers. Examine tickets closely or use a verification service for added assurance. Contact the ticket issuer with any doubts or for help getting a refund on fake tickets. Taking the time to confirm your tickets are real means you can enjoy the show without hassle.