Looking for Event Tickets? Identify Scams Before Handing Over Your Money

Seeing your favorite band live in concert can make for a memorable time, but if you’re scrounging for tickets, be careful. Sold-out and high-demand concerts can be prime targets for ticketing scams.

In some cases, a scammer may create counterfeit tickets, complete with forged barcodes and real company logos. In others, a scammer might make copies of a legitimate ticket and sell it to multiple people. Sometimes a seller will insist on upfront payment with the promise of putting tickets in the mail or sending digital tickets via email, but the tickets never arrive, and the seller disappears.

How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of a Ticketing Scam

• Buy only from trusted ticket vendors. When possible, purchase tickets directly from the venue. Look for the lock symbol in the web address to indicate a secure purchasing system. You can also verify a vendor’s authenticity by looking them up on the Better Business Bureau or checking to see if they are a member of the National Association of Ticket Brokers.
• Check the fine print. Only purchase tickets from a seller that provides clear details about the terms of the transaction, including the location of the seats, how the tickets will be received and specifics about the refund policy.
• Use payment methods that come with protection. Be suspicious of sellers who insist on being paid through digital payment apps and keep in mind that certain payment types can’t be refunded. A credit card is usually the best payment method for tickets because many credit card companies offer built-in buyer protection for cardholders. Check the terms and conditions of your credit card to see what’s offered.
• Be wary of promotions. When you search online for tickets, advertisements for cheap tickets will often appear. Some of these ads could be ticket scams, especially if the price seems too good to be true.
• Verify your tickets. Pay a visit to the venue where the event will be held. Present your ticket at Will Call or customer service, and they can verify if your ticket is legitimate.

Key Takeaway

When it comes to ticketing scams, remember to slow down and ask questions. If you detect suspicious activity, report the seller to your online marketplace or ticketing platform.

To learn more about other scams and ways to protect yourself, visit the Ameris Bank Cybersecurity and Privacy Center.

Published June 2023

Sources

Zelle | Zelle is a great way to send money to people you know and trust. Get started by enrolling your email or U.S. mobile number through the Ameris Bank Mobile Banking App. To learn more, visit our website.