Ticket Scammers

Written and Published by X

Scrolling through comments on venue and club social media pages has become wild lately due to the sheer number of ticket scammers out there. Not only do they steal your money, but some scammers go as far as stealing your card information and draining your bank account. It’s becoming more and more common every day, and it’s hard to tell whether these are bots or just scammers who create multiple fake accounts. Regardless, you’ll often see the same phrases pop up over and over, like “Plans changed, does anyone need a ticket?” or “Tickets for sale,” as if we don’t notice how suspicious their accounts look. It’s honestly baffling. It’s especially frustrating when a show is sold out and you’re trying to score a last-minute ticket! But I’ve got some tips to help you avoid getting scammed.

First and foremost, never trust the comments for tickets—they're usually scams. It’s easy to spot a fake account: they’ll have few followers, no mutual friends, and often look like a brand-new profile. Pay attention to mutuals—if you're connected in the community, you’re likely to share some mutual friends. Also, avoid wiring money under any circumstances. If someone asks you to wire funds, it’s a red flag. Stick to more secure payment methods like PayPal, CashApp, Zelle, or Venmo. Never pay with a prepaid card either. If you have to meet up with someone to get your ticket, do it in a public place and, ideally, bring a friend along. Never pay for a ticket before seeing it in person, and always report any suspicious accounts or offers.

Here’s more advice to make sure you're staying safe:

1. Check the Seller's History: If you're buying from someone online, do a quick search to see if they've sold tickets before or if they have any reviews. A legitimate seller should have a history or positive feedback from previous transactions. If you can’t find any, proceed with caution.

2. Use Trusted Platforms for Reselling: While it’s tempting to get tickets from social media comments or random people, it’s safer to use trusted platforms like StubHub, SeatGeek, or even the venue’s official resale platform. These sites often offer buyer protection, so if something goes wrong, you’re more likely to get your money back.

3. Don’t Rush the Purchase: Scammers often create a sense of urgency—saying things like "I have another buyer lined up" or "Last chance to get a ticket at this price!" This is a tactic to get you to act quickly without thinking. Always take your time and verify the ticket details before paying.

4. Look for Red Flags in Communication: Pay attention to how the seller communicates with you. Scammers will often be vague or seem pushy, offering only limited information about the ticket or asking for payment outside of usual methods. If something feels off, trust your instincts and walk away.

5. Be Cautious of "Too Good to Be True" Deals: Scammers tend to offer tickets at a price way below market value, especially for sold-out events. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Remember, you get what you pay for—especially when it comes to something like concert or festival tickets.

6. Check the Ticket’s Validity: If possible, ask the seller for a photo of the ticket and make sure the barcode is visible and valid. You can even try contacting the venue to confirm the ticket details. If they won’t provide this, it’s a red flag.

7. Look for Professionalism: A legitimate seller will have a professional, clear approach. Their message should make sense, their payment methods should be secure, and they should be willing to answer any questions you may have. If their communication feels rushed or unclear, be wary.

With festival season in full swing, it’s more important than ever to go straight to the source for your tickets. If that’s not an option, always verify the ticket before paying. There are countless stories of people who’ve saved up for the entire festival—travel costs, outfits, tickets—and then realize they were scammed out of their ticket. It’s incredibly frustrating and really ruins the experience for everyone. So, be cautious, stay safe, and do everything you can to avoid being scammed.

Good luck out there, and don’t let the scammers win! -X