With the rise of online ticket purchasing for events, concerts, and travel, it’s important to know how to verify that your e-tickets are valid before showing up. Fake tickets purchased online can lead to being turned away at the door or missing your flight, so checking authenticity is a key step once you’ve completed your online order.
Check the source
The first thing to look at is where you purchased the ticket. Reputable sources like the official website for the venue or event, major ticketing websites like Ticketmaster or Stubhub, or airline websites directly are generally safe bets. Be wary of unofficial third party sellers that don’t look professional or secure. Only use sites that are HTTPS certified and read reviews before purchasing from a new vendor.
Some warning signs of potential scam ticket sales sites include prices that are dramatically lower than face value, spelling errors, incomplete contact information, or requests to complete the transaction outside of the website via cash transfer. Trust your gut if something seems too good to true.
Verify the ticket details
Once you’ve completed your purchase, the website should provide you with a receipt containing the details of your ticket. First, confirm that the details like the event name, date, seat location, and number of tickets match what you purchased. Also verify that any ticket codes or confirmation numbers are included.
Print or screenshot this receipt and bring it with you to the event. Having this will make it easier to verify at the door that you do have a legitimate ticket. Calendar the event in your schedule right away so you don’t forget when it’s happening.
Look for authenticity markers
The event organizer or airline will include authenticity markers on real tickets that are difficult for scammers to duplicate. For concerts, games, and other events, this may be a hologram sticker on the ticket. There may also be foil printing, embossing, or raised ink.
Airline e-tickets will include your name, a 13-digit confirmation code, barcode, and sometimes your frequent flyer number if you entered it. Look for the airline logo as well. If any of these standard details are missing, that’s a red flag.
Know the refund policies
In the event that you do receive fake or fraudulent tickets, you’ll want to know what recourse you have. Make sure when you complete your purchase that you understand the website or seller’s refund policy in case you need to dispute the order later.
Reputable sellers will have a clearly posted policy for refunds, exchanges, or credits. Save any email confirmations you receive so you can submit them as part of a refund claim. Deadlines to dispute invalid tickets will typically be 1-2 weeks prior to the event date.
Verify earlier rather than later
Don’t wait until you arrive at the venue to verify if your tickets are real! Check them over as soon as you receive them electronically to give yourself plenty of time to troubleshoot. Customer service response times may take a few days or more.
If the event is coming up very soon, you may need to purchase a backup set of tickets if you’re still unsure of the original order’s legitimacy. Having extras on hand provides a safety net against getting scammed.
Use secure payment methods
When buying tickets online, always use a credit card when possible rather than a debit card. Credit cards have stronger consumer protections and fraud prevention monitoring than debit cards or direct bank transfers. Avoid paying with gift cards, Venmo, cash transfer apps, checks, or cash in the mail for online orders.
If the website requests you to complete the transaction outside the normal online checkout process through any of these less secure methods, take your business elsewhere to reduce the risk of problems down the line.
Verify at the venue
On the day of showtime, arrive early enough to allow time for ticket verification. Bring your e-ticket receipt, any barcode or tickets you printed out, and a photo ID. The staff can scan the barcode and check it against their system for validity. They may also check the security holograms or lettering.
If you purchased paperless tickets you’ll just need to provide the credit card you used to purchase them and your ID. If there are any issues at all with verification, speak to the ticket office right away to resolve it – don’t just walk away!
Conclusion
Following these tips will help ensure your online ticket purchase goes off without a hitch. While buying tickets on the internet provides convenience, you also take on added risk of fraud. Take preventative steps during the purchase process, verify ticket details diligently afterwards, and never hesitate to speak up if something seems amiss. With caution and common sense, you can score tickets from the comfort of your home without getting scammed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some red flags to watch out for when buying tickets online?
Watch out for the following red flags when purchasing tickets online:
- Prices that are substantially lower than face value
- Spelling errors on the website
- Website is not HTTPS secure
- Limited or suspicious contact details for the seller
- Requests to pay outside of the website via cash apps, mail, etc.
- No refund policy
What details should be on an e-ticket receipt?
A valid e-ticket receipt should contain:
- Your name
- Event name and date
- Seat number/location
- Barcode or ticket ID number
- Number of tickets purchased
- Final paid ticket price
Can I get a refund if my tickets are fake?
If you purchased from a legitimate seller, you can typically get a full refund by contacting them well in advance of the event date and providing documentation that the tickets are fraudulent. Each website will have specific timelines to report invalid tickets to be eligible for a refund. Act quickly after purchase to dispute any potential scams.
What’s the safest way to pay for online tickets?
Paying by credit card through the official website checkout process is the safest option. Never pay by direct bank transfer, gift card, cash apps, mail, or other unstable payment methods – these offer you the least protection in case of fraud.
| Payment Method | Safety For Buyer |
|---|---|
| Credit Card | High |
| Debit Card | Medium |
| Gift Card | Low |
| Cash Transfer App | Low |
| Check | Low |
| Cash | Low |
Should I buy backup tickets if I’m unsure about my online purchase?
If time allows, purchasing backup tickets from a trusted seller is a smart idea when the validity of your original tickets is questionable. It provides you a safety net and peace of mind knowing you still have legitimate tickets if your initial ones turn out to be fraudulent. Just be aware of the refund timelines if you need to return the extras.
