Trying to get tickets to that sold-out Rolling Stones concert? Great, there are lots of legitimate outlets available online. But, be careful! There are just as many scammers out there who will be only too glad to take your hard-earned money in exchange for fake tickets … or no tickets. Events of all kinds — including musical concerts, sporting events, and theatrical performances — can be the focus of these types of scams, which are typically perpetrated through fake websites. Here are some tips for staying safe, based on suggestions from the Better Business Bureau:
- If possible, purchase your tickets directly from the venue where the event will be taking place. (Many of these outlets now offer secondary sales options.)
- Your next best bet is a professional ticket broker that is a legitimate and accredited reseller.
- For any source other than the venue, look them up on the Better Business Bureau website to learn what other customers have to say. You can also check to see if they’re a member of the National Association of Ticket Brokers.
- If all of the above checks out, look for the lock symbol in the web address to indicate a secure purchasing system.
- Make sure you get the following information in advance: Refund policy and other transaction terms, seating location, and how and when the tickets will be available to ship or pick up.
- Always use a credit card to pay. Debit cards, wire transfers, and cash transactions are risky because they don’t provide a way to get your money back if the tickets are fraudulent.
- Be especially wary of any seller who claims to have tickets at prices too good to be true.
- If you’ve already purchased a ticket and are unsure whether it’s legitimate, present it to the venue and ask them to verify it.
