With the rise of online ticket sales, fake ticket websites have become an unfortunate reality that consumers need to be aware of. Being scammed out of money for fake tickets can ruin a vacation, trip, or special event. Here are some tips on how to spot and avoid fake ticket websites.
What are some common signs of a fake ticket website?
- Prices that are dramatically lower than face value or market value
- Lack of customer service contact information
- Spelling and grammatical errors
- Requests for payment via wire transfer or prepaid card
- No physical address listed
- No SSL certificate or secure checkout process
- No refund or exchange policy listed
- Reviews seem fake or too good to be true
- Website was registered very recently
If a website seems questionable, trust your instincts. Many fake sites try to lure customers in with prices that are too good to be true. They may even go as far as creating fake customer reviews. Look for red flags like a lack of contact information, shoddy design, and unusual payment methods.
What are some examples of known fake ticket websites?
Here are a few fake ticket websites that consumers should beware of:
- Tickets-Center.com
- Ticketoffices.com
- NationalTicketBank.com
- Tickets2You.com
- OnlineTicketSpot.com
- TicketsInventory.com
This is not an exhaustive list, as new sites pop up all the time. In general, be wary of sites you haven’t heard of before that offer prices that seem too good to be true.
How can you verify if a ticket website is legit?
Here are some tips for researching a website:
- Search online for reviews – Look for complaints or warnings about the site.
- Check domain registration – Use a WHOIS lookup to see when the domain was registered and where it’s located.
- Verify contact information – Call customer service numbers or email to see if you get a response.
- Look for signs of security – Legitimate sites should have “https” URLs and a padlock icon.
- See if the site is a member of industry groups – Such as the National Association of Ticket Brokers.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau – See if there are complaints lodged against the company.
Taking the time to thoroughly vet a website can help avoid getting scammed. If anything seems amiss, it’s better to find tickets elsewhere.
What are the safest options for buying event tickets?
The most trustworthy sources for event tickets include:
- Official box offices and venue websites – Buy directly from the source, whether in person or online.
- Primary ticket sellers – Large licensed resellers like Ticketmaster or StubHub.
- Fan-to-fan exchanges – Many teams and artists allow ticket transfers through official fan clubs.
- Reputable brokers – Check reviews and credentials first. Look for guarantees.
Paying with a credit card through secure online checkout provides added fraud protection. Be especially cautious of sellers asking you to pay using wire transfers, gift cards, or other unusual methods.
What should you do if you bought fake tickets?
If you purchased fake tickets, take the following steps:
- Contact your credit card company – Report the fraud and request a chargeback.
- Report the website – File a complaint with the FTC and IC3.
- Leave reviews – Warn others about the scam on sites like Trustpilot.
- Spread the word – Post on social media and tell family/friends to avoid the site.
- Seek a refund – Though unlikely, try contacting the website for a refund.
Unfortunately, recovering lost money can be very difficult with these scams. Use it as a lesson learned and be more diligent next time you purchase tickets. If possible, only buy from official sources.
How can you avoid getting scammed when buying tickets?
Here are some best practices for safe ticket purchases:
- Stick to official sources – Buy directly from venues and primary sellers when possible.
- Research unfamiliar sites – Thoroughly vet third-party vendors before purchasing.
- Beware of red flags – Don’t ignore questionable elements like bad grammar, odd payment methods, etc.
- Pay with a credit card – Never pay by wire transfer or prepaid cards.
- Confirm order details – Double check event info, seat locations, and total costs before completing orders.
- Keep documentation – Save order confirmations and only accept original hard tickets, not photocopies.
Staying vigilant is the best defense against ticket scams. Trust your instincts – if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Pay a fair price for peace of mind and buy only from reputable sellers.
Conclusion
Fake ticket websites prey on eager fans looking for sold out events and great deals. By luring customers in with low prices and appearing legitimate, they can scam people out of money for worthless fake tickets. Always thoroughly research any unfamiliar ticket site and stick to trustworthy official vendors when possible. Be especially wary of red flags like prices that are dramatically lower than face value. Paying with a credit card, keeping documentation, and trusting your instincts can also help avoid getting tricked by ticket scammers. While fake sites continue popping up, staying informed and cautious is the best way to make sure your event tickets are real.