When buying tickets online for live events and concerts, it’s important to be aware of ticket scams, which have become increasingly common. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) received over 140 reports of such scams last year. To protect yourself, purchase tickets from trustworthy sources, such as buying directly from the venue. Understand the difference between legitimate ticket brokers and scammers, and check seller/broker reviews on BBB.org. Use payment methods with protection, be cautious of cheap advertisements, and verify tickets with the venue. Stay informed about ticket scams by visiting BBB.org and BBB Scam Tracker. Stay safe and enjoy your next worry-free event!
Types of Ticket
Websites
One type of ticket scam involves fake websites that claim to sell tickets for popular sporting events and concerts. These websites are designed to look legitimate and often use the logos and branding of the event or venue to deceive buyers. However, once the tickets are purchased, the victims never receive them, resulting in financial loss.
Ticket Brokers
Another common scam is the phony ticket broker. These scammers pose as legitimate ticket brokers, offering tickets for popular events. They may advertise heavily and use aggressive sales tactics to convince buyers to make a purchase. However, once the payment is made, the tickets either do not exist or are counterfeit.
Duplicate Tickets
Scammers may also attempt to sell duplicate tickets. They purchase a legitimate ticket and then make multiple copies to sell to unsuspecting buyers. The problem arises when both the original ticket holder and the buyer attempt to enter the event with the same ticket, leading to confusion and disappointment.
Third-Party Sellers
Lastly, ticket scams can also occur through third-party sellers. These sellers may use platforms like Craigslist or social media to advertise tickets for sale. While some may be legitimate sellers, others are scammers who take advantage of unsuspecting buyers. It is important to exercise caution when purchasing tickets from third-party sellers and always verify their credibility.
Unbelievable Deals
One of the biggest warning signs of a ticket scam is an unbelievably good deal. If the ticket price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often lure in buyers with prices well below market value to entice them into making a quick purchase without thoroughly researching the seller or the tickets themselves.
Requests for Immediate Payment
Scammers will often pressure buyers for immediate payment. They may claim that the tickets are in high demand and will be sold to someone else if not paid for immediately. This urgency is a tactic used to prevent buyers from having enough time to research the seller or the legitimacy of the tickets.
Unsecure Payment Methods
Another warning sign is the use of unsecure payment methods. Scammers may request payment via wire transfer or other untraceable methods, making it difficult for buyers to dispute the transaction or recover their money if the tickets turn out to be invalid or non-existent.
Lack of Contact Information
Legitimate ticket sellers and brokers typically provide contact information for customer inquiries or support. If a seller is difficult to reach or does not provide any contact information, it is a red flag. Scammers often avoid providing contact details to avoid detection or accountability.
Purchase from the Venue
One of the safest ways to buy tickets is to purchase directly from the venue. This eliminates the risk of dealing with fraudulent sellers or brokers and ensures that the tickets are legitimate. Most venues have official websites or box office locations where tickets can be purchased securely.
Legitimate Ticket Brokers
If buying from the venue is not possible, it is important to know the difference between legitimate ticket brokers and scammers. Legitimate brokers are authorized resellers who operate legally and provide genuine tickets. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) provides resources to check seller and broker reviews to help buyers verify their legitimacy.
Check BBB Seller/Broker Reviews
Before making a purchase, it is recommended to check the BBB.org website for seller and broker reviews. The BBB collects and maintains a database of customer complaints and reviews, allowing buyers to make informed decisions about who to purchase from. Positive reviews and a good rating can give buyers greater confidence in the seller’s credibility.
Use Trusted Vendors
Trusted vendors are established companies that have a good reputation for selling tickets. These vendors often have secure payment methods, reliable customer service, and clear refund policies. Researching and using trusted vendors can help ensure a safer ticket purchasing experience.
Payment Methods with Protection
When purchasing tickets online, it is crucial to use payment methods that offer protection. Credit cards, for example, often provide the means to dispute fraudulent charges and seek a refund if the tickets turn out to be counterfeit or non-existent. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of payment methods to understand the level of protection they offer.
Beware of Cheap Advertisements
Advertisements for heavily discounted tickets should be approached with caution. Scammers often use cheap advertisements to lure unsuspecting buyers into making a purchase without verifying the legitimacy of the tickets or the seller. It is important to research the seller and compare prices before committing to a purchase.
Verify Tickets with the Venue
Before attending the event, it is wise to verify the tickets with the venue. This can be done by contacting the venue directly and providing them with the ticket information. They can confirm whether the tickets are valid or alert the buyer if there are any concerns. Verifying tickets with the venue can help prevent disappointment or denial of entry at the event.
Avoiding Counterfeit Tickets
Purchasing tickets from trustworthy sources is essential to avoid counterfeit tickets. Counterfeit tickets are replicas or fakes that scammers create to deceive buyers into thinking they are legitimate. By purchasing tickets from reputable sources, buyers can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to counterfeit ticket scams.
Protecting Personal Information
Scammers often target ticket buyers to obtain their personal and financial information. This information can be used for identity theft or to make unauthorized transactions. Trustworthy sources prioritize the protection of personal information and implement strict security measures to safeguard buyers’ data.
Ensuring Ticket Validity
Buying tickets from trustworthy sources ensures the validity of the tickets. Trustworthy sources have established relationships with event organizers or authorized ticket sellers, which enables them to provide authentic tickets. This ensures that buyers do not encounter any issues when attempting to enter the event with their tickets.
The BBB’s Role in Ticket Scam Prevention
Ticket Scam Reports to the BBB
The Better Business Bureau plays a crucial role in ticket scam prevention through its reporting system. When individuals fall victim to ticket scams, they can file reports with the BBB, providing detailed information about the scam and the scammer. This information helps the BBB track scams, identify patterns, and take action to warn others and hold scammers accountable.
BBB Scam Tracker
The BBB Scam Tracker is an online tool that allows individuals to report scams and view reported scams in their area. It provides real-time information about different types of scams, including ticket scams, and offers insights into the latest methods used by scammers. The BBB Scam Tracker serves as a valuable resource for buyers to stay informed and protect themselves from ticket scams.
Educational Resources on BBB.org
BBB.org offers a wealth of educational resources to educate consumers about ticket scams and how to avoid them. These resources include articles, tips, and guides on topics such as recognizing warning signs, protecting personal information, and verifying ticket sources. By accessing these resources, buyers can arm themselves with knowledge and make informed decisions when purchasing tickets.
How to Report Ticket Scams
Contacting the BBB
To report a ticket scam, individuals can contact the Better Business Bureau through their website or local office. The BBB will guide victims through the reporting process, ensuring that all necessary information is provided to initiate an investigation. Reporting scams to the BBB helps protect other potential buyers and contributes to the prevention of future scams.
Filing Complaints
In addition to reporting the scam to the BBB, victims can also file complaints with other relevant organizations and authorities. This may include local law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Filing complaints ensures that the scam is documented and increases the chances of taking legal action against the perpetrators.
Providing Necessary Information
When reporting a ticket scam, it is important to provide as much information as possible. This may include details about the seller or broker, the website used, communication exchanges, and any evidence or documentation related to the scam. The more information provided, the better equipped authorities and organizations are to investigate and take action against scammers.
Legal Consequences of Ticket Scams
Fraud Charges
Participating in ticket scams can result in fraud charges. Scammers may be prosecuted for fraudulent activities, including online fraud, identity theft, and forgery. The severity of the charges depends on the extent of the scam and the financial losses incurred by the victims. If convicted, scammers may face fines, restitution, and even imprisonment.
Financial Liability
Scammers may also be held financially liable for the losses incurred by the victims. If a victim can prove that they were scammed and suffered financial damages, they may be able to seek compensation from the scammer. This can help victims recover their losses and mitigate the financial impact of falling victim to a ticket scam.
Potential Jail Time
Engaging in ticket scams can lead to potential jail time for the perpetrators. Depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of the scam, scammers may be sentenced to imprisonment. The length of the sentence will vary based on factors such as the amount of money involved, the number of victims, and the presence of any aggravating factors.
Protecting Yourself from Ticket Scams
Researching the Seller
Before making a ticket purchase, it is crucial to research the seller thoroughly. Check their reputation, look for customer reviews or testimonials, and ensure that they are a legitimate and authorized ticket seller or broker. Researching the seller can help identify potential red flags and avoid falling victim to ticket scams.
Comparing Prices
When shopping for tickets, comparing prices from different sellers or platforms is important. If one seller offers tickets at a significantly lower price than others, it could indicate a potential scam. Comparing prices allows buyers to gauge the market value of the tickets and avoid falling for fraudulent deals.
Using Secure Websites
Always make sure to use secure websites when purchasing tickets online. Secure websites have an SSL certificate and show a lock icon in the address bar, indicating that the connection and transaction are encrypted and protected. Secure websites help safeguard personal and financial information from falling into the hands of scammers.
Being Skeptical
Maintaining a healthy level of skepticism is essential when buying tickets online. If something feels off or too good to be true, it is important to trust your instincts and exercise caution. Scammers often rely on the buyer’s excitement or urgency to make impulsive and uninformed decisions. Taking the time to thoroughly research and validate the tickets and seller can help protect against scams.
Checking Official Event Websites
To ensure the legitimacy of a ticket, it is recommended to check the official event website for ticket sales. Legitimate events often have their own authorized ticket sellers or direct purchase options on their official website. Checking the official event website can help verify the legitimacy of tickets and avoid purchasing from unauthorized sources.
The Impact of Ticket Scams
Financial Losses
The impact of falling victim to a ticket scam can be significant, resulting in financial losses. Victims may lose the money they paid for the tickets, as well as any additional expenses incurred, such as travel arrangements or accommodations. Financial losses can have a lasting effect and cause significant hardship for individuals.
Missed Opportunities
In addition to monetary losses, ticket scams can also result in missed opportunities. Victims may miss out on experiencing their favorite bands, artists, or sports teams live because they unknowingly purchased counterfeit or non-existent tickets. The disappointment and frustration of missing a highly anticipated event can be deeply disheartening.
Decreased Trust in Online Ticket Purchases
Experiencing a ticket scam can erode trust in online ticket purchases. Victims may become wary of purchasing tickets online in the future, fearing that they will fall victim to another scam. This decreased trust can impact the overall online ticket marketplace as buyers become more hesitant and reluctant to make purchases, affecting both legitimate sellers and buyers.
Conclusion
Buying tickets online for popular sporting events and concerts can be an exciting but risky endeavor. With the prevalence of ticket scams, it is crucial to be aware of the different types of scams and the warning signs to watch out for. By following the tips for buying tickets safely, utilizing trustworthy sources, and reporting scams to the BBB, consumers can protect themselves and others from falling victim to ticket scams. It is important to stay vigilant, do thorough research, and trust reputable sources to ensure a safe and enjoyable ticket purchasing experience.