Don’t let fraudsters steal the show

Thanks to advances in technology, buying tickets to your favorite show has probably never been easier – well, unless you’re a Swiftie, that is. But with the ease of access also comes the risk of scammers trying to pull a fast one on you by using the names and images of celebs to get into your wallet.

While companies like Ticketmaster are working hard to make it tough for scammers, these bad apples always find a way. So, let’s dive into the top five Ticketmaster scams and how you can outsmart them when you’re on the ticket-buying hunt.

Top 5 Ticketmaster scams to watch out for

Here are the top scams you need to keep an eye out for:

1. Lookalike websites

These sites look legit but are actually fake. They might have a similar domain to Ticketmaster but are out to trick you into giving up your personal and payment info.

Scammers will send you emails or messages pretending to sell tickets for sold-out shows, luring you to their site to steal your details.

2. Bogus tickets

Scammers love to sell fake tickets on social media or other platforms. They’ll show you tempting photos of tickets at crazy low prices, but there’s no ticket to be had.

They might even promise to meet you in person to hand over the ticket – don’t fall for it!

3. Fake support numbers

Scammers create fake support numbers to sound legit when they call you or when you call them. They’ll try to get your personal and financial info under the guise of helping you with a ticket issue.

4. Replicated tickets/duplicate listings

Scammers copy real tickets and sell them multiple times. Only the first buyer will get in, leaving the rest out in the cold.

5. Account takeover

If scammers get your Ticketmaster account info, they can buy tickets in your name or send tickets to themselves. Keep your account secure to avoid this mess.

I knew you were trouble – how to stay safe online

Here are some tips to avoid falling for Ticketmaster scams:

• Buy tickets only from official sources to stay safe from social media scams.
• Always check the URL when visiting Ticketmaster and avoid clicking on links in emails.
• Avoid paying via wire transfer, gift cards, or instant cash transfer apps.
• If buying on social media, watch out for sketchy sellers with few details and followers.
• Don’t buy tickets with visible barcodes or QR codes as they might be fake.
• Never post pictures of your own tickets online.
• Be cautious of unsolicited emails about tickets and look out for suspicious senders.
• Opt for mobile tickets over printed ones for added security.
• Protect your account with two-factor authentication and strong, unique passwords.

What to do if you get scammed

If you do fall victim to a scam, here’s what you can do:

• Contact Ticketmaster or the resale site to report the scam.
• If you’re in the US, report the scam to the FTC.
• File a report with your local police and keep an eye on your accounts for fraud.
• Change passwords on all accounts that share the same login info.
• Consider filing a chargeback if you paid with a card.

Ticketing scams aren’t just limited to Ticketmaster, so be cautious no matter where you’re buying tickets from!