Is it safe to buy Ticketmaster tickets on Craigslist?

Buying event tickets from secondary marketplaces like Craigslist comes with risks. There is potential for scams and counterfeit tickets. However, there are precautions buyers can take to mitigate those risks. This article examines the safety considerations when purchasing Ticketmaster tickets on Craigslist.

The risks of buying tickets on Craigslist

There are a few main risks to be aware of when purchasing event tickets on Craigslist or other secondary marketplaces:

• Scams – The seller may not actually have the tickets or intend on delivering them after payment.
• Counterfeit tickets – The tickets could be fake or copied duplicates that will not grant entry.
• Void tickets – The tickets could have been canceled by the original purchaser and rendered void by Ticketmaster.
• Stolen tickets – The tickets might have been illegally obtained originally.

These risks arise because Craigslist has less seller vetting and buyer protections than Ticketmaster and other official ticket exchanges. Craigslist buyers have to rely more on trusting strangers.

Scams

One of the most common risks of Craigslist ticket purchases is an outright scam. A seller advertises tickets they do not actually possess and has no intent on delivering. Once payment is received, the seller ceases communication and disappears.

This scam takes advantage of the Craigslist system. Sellers are largely anonymous, and Craigslist has limited protections or accountability for buyers. It is solely a platform to connect local buyers and sellers.

Some red flags that a seller may be running a scam include:

• Prices far below face value
• Only generic venue photos, no actual ticket photos
• Unwilling to meet in person for the exchange
• Requests unusual payment methods like wire transfers or gift cards

Buyers should be very cautious of sellers exhibiting any of those behaviors. Demanding real photos of the tickets and meeting in person can help avoid scams. But there is no guarantee.

Counterfeit Tickets

Another risk is counterfeit or duplicate tickets being sold. Technology has made it easier for scammers to produce fake ticket duplicates. These can look authentic but will be denied at the door.

Some things to look for to avoid counterfeits include:

• Watermarks – Authentic printed Ticketmaster tickets have watermarks on the back side
• Order number – Verify the 14-digit order number is unique and not duplicated across other tickets being sold
• Quality – Fake tickets often have low quality printing and colors compared to authentic tickets

Asking for high resolution photographs of both sides of a ticket can help spot any indicators of counterfeiting. Comparing multiple tickets from the same seller for any duplicate details is also recommended.

Void Tickets

There is also a risk of void tickets being sold on Craigslist. These are authentic tickets that have been canceled and rendered void by Ticketmaster.

Some of the main reasons tickets can become void include:

• The original purchaser issued a chargeback on their credit card for the ticket purchase. This cancels the tickets.
• The event was rescheduled, and the original ticket holder received a refund. This voids the original tickets.
• The tickets were reported lost or stolen to Ticketmaster. This results in replacements being issued and voids the originals.

Void tickets are very difficult to spot, as they can appear perfectly valid. Checking with Ticketmaster on the validity of the 14-digit order number is the best way to confirm the tickets are still legitimate.

Stolen Tickets

The last risk category is stolen tickets. There is always a possibility tickets being resold were obtained illegally originally. This could have been done by accessing someone’s online Ticketmaster account or physically stealing printed tickets.

Watching for these indicators can help identify potentially stolen tickets:

• The seller has large quantities of tickets across many popular events.
• They are unable to provide consistent details on where the tickets came from originally.
• The tickets are being sold at very low prices just to offload them quickly.

As with counterfeits, verifying ticket validity directly with Ticketmaster is the best protection against unknowingly purchasing stolen tickets.

Tips for buying Ticketmaster tickets safely on Craigslist

Despite the risks, it is possible to purchase authentic event tickets safely on Craigslist. Here are some tips for buyers:

• Vet the seller – Review their Craigslist history and any seller ratings or reviews from past buyers. Be very cautious of new sellers with no history.
• Ask for ticket photos – Require they share high resolution photos of the front and back of the tickets, so details can be verified.
• Meet in person – Never buy from sellers who will not meet face-to-face for the exchange. This provides opportunity to validate authenticity.
• Verify with Ticketmaster – Call Ticketmaster to confirm the 14-digit order number is valid and matches the event, seat assignments, etc.
• Use safe payment methods – PayPal Goods and Services or in-person cash payments are safest. Avoid wire transfers or gift cards.
• Review policies – Check the venue’s ticket transfer policy. Many restrict transfers and require ID matching the original ticket purchaser.

Paying more for tickets from power sellers with strong histories can be worth avoiding risks from unverified sellers. While not foolproof, following those tips goes a long way to making Craigslist ticket purchases safer.

Alternatives to consider

Instead of Craigslist, buyers may want to consider some alternative secondary ticket marketplaces. Options like StubHub and Vivid Seats offer additional buyer protections and screening of sellers. However, their convenience comes with higher buyer fees.

Here is an overview of some of the leading secondary marketplaces and key considerations:

These marketplaces offer more standardized buyer protections compared to Craigslist. However, their fees can add significant costs on top of already high ticket prices.

Conclusion

In summary, there are substantial risks when buying Ticketmaster tickets on Craigslist due to potential scams, counterfeits, voids, and stolen goods. However, buyers can take steps to mitigate those risks, like thoroughly vetting sellers, meeting in person, and verifying ticket validity with Ticketmaster.

For convenience and added guarantees, secondary marketplaces like StubHub and Vivid Seats are safer options, though fees will be higher. Ultimately, the increased security has to be weighed against the extra costs.

As long as proper precautions are taken, it is possible for savvy buyers to find valid Ticketmaster tickets on Craigslist. But caution is still well advised when purchasing tickets from unknown sellers on Craigslist or similar forums.