There’s nothing more exciting than securing tickets to a game or concert you’ve been looking forward to! However, as ticket scams become more popular, you should familiarize yourself with the warning signs before buying tickets online to your next event.
Whether it’s for sporting events, concerts, or theater performances, here’s what you need to know to stay safe from online ticket scams.
1. Buy Directly
Always aim to buy your tickets directly from the venue or official online ticketing platform. Many authorized ticketing vendors even offer resale options on their site now. Your safest bet will always be to not purchase tickets from a third party.
2. Use Secure Websites
Only buy from websites that use secure payment processing. This means the website URL should start with “https” and display a padlock icon in the address bar. Don’t click on ads or emails about ticket sales as scammers can easily mimic real sites to look legitimate. Go directly to the verified secure website.
3. Use a Credit Card
As always, use a credit card when buying tickets online. Most credit cards offer fraud protection, making it easier to dispute a charge if you end up getting scammed. Avoid paying with debit cards, wire transfers, or cash.
4. Don’t Fall for Unrealistic Prices
Scammers often lure buyers with low prices on high-demand tickets. If a deal looks too good to be true, it most likely is. Compare prices across multiple sources to gauge the typical cost before purchasing discounted tickets.
5. Know Your Refund Rights
Legitimate ticket resellers provide clear details about their refund policy before you buy. If a seller does not disclose when the tickets will be delivered or has vague refund terms, that’s a red flag.
We hope these tips were helpful and prevent future ticket buyers from falling victim to fraudulent ticketing scams. If you have any questions, reach out to us at Guthrie County State Bank.