How to spot a concert ticket scam and buy tickets safely

24 June 2025

Are you hoping to score tickets to see your favourite artist live? The high demand for concert tickets often attracts scammers. These fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated, and fake ticket scams are on the rise. If you are wondering whether your concert ticket is fake, this article will provide you with guidance on identifying warning signs and protecting yourself from online ticket fraud.

What is a concert ticket scam?

A concert ticket scam is where a fraudster offers to sell you tickets that are either duplicated or counterfeit. Fraudsters will provide you with screenshots of tickets and receipts to prove they are real. Most often, fraudsters will sell the same screenshot of a ticket to multiple people.

Types of ticket scams:

• Fake ticket websites: fraudsters can create fraudulent websites that mimic the real deal. Once a consumer purchases a ticket, the fraudster either provides a fake ticket or just disappears.
• Social media advertisements: fraudsters use online social media platforms to advertise for appealing ticket deals, when they are selling counterfeit, non-existent or duplicate tickets. Once payment is made, the fraudster vanishes.
• Reselling tickets: Some fraudsters purchase tickets to events in high demand and resell them on at a much higher price than face value. It is illegal to sell tickets to certain events for more than face value. In a lot of cases, the tickets sold are invalid and will not allow you enter the event.

How to spot a fake ticket: red flags to watch for

• If the price is too good to be true, it probably is: Fraudsters often lure victims with unbelievable offers on unofficial platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, X, and other platforms. These deals are designed to create urgency and bypass your better judgment. Trust your gut, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Unsafe payment methods: Be cautious if the seller insists on using unsafe payment methods, such as: sending cash to unknown parties or payment paltforms without secure payment systems. These methods offer little to no recourse if the ticket turns out to be fake. Always use secure payment platforms that offer fraud protection and dispute resolution, and avoid sending money to strangers without verifying their identity and the legitimacy of the ticket.
• Missing ticket details or confirmation: A legitimate ticket should include key information such as the event name, date, time, venue, seat number, and a scannable barcode or QR code. If the ticket lacks these details or looks incomplete, it’s a major red flag. Additionally, if the seller cannot provide a confirmation email or receipt from the original ticketing platform, it’s likely a scam. Always ask for proof of purchase and verify the ticket through the official platform if possible.
• Avoid screenshots of tickets: If someone offers you a ticket as a screenshot, that’s a big red flag. Screenshots can be easily duplicated and sold to multiple buyers. Always ask for an official digital transfer through a verified platform, which ensures the ticket is uniquely assigned to you and reduces the risk of duplication or fraud.

How to stay safe when buying tickets

• Use secure payment methods: Stick to payment methods that offer buyer protection, such as PayPal, Visa, or debit/credit cards. These options allow you to dispute charges if something goes wrong. Never agree to send money via bank transfer, other peer to peer apps or gift cards - especially if the seller asks you to move off a reputable platform.
• Only buy from reputable and secure ticket sites: Stick to well-known ticketing platforms such as Ticketmaster, Eventbrite. These platforms have built-in security features and official partnerships with event organisers and always access them by typing their website directly into your browser. Always make sure you check the following points to determine if a site is legitimate:
  • A secure connection: Look for “https://” at the beginning of the web address and a padlock icon in the browser bar.
  • Proper branding and customer support contact details: Legitimate sites will have consistent branding, clear terms and conditions, and accessible customer support contact details.
  • Positive reviews or mentions on trusted platforms: Search for the site’s name on review platforms like Trustpilot or Reddit to see what other users are saying. Be cautious if you find multiple complaints about scams or poor customer service.

Final tip: stay alert and think twice

Ticket scams can be devastating, both financially and emotionally. Whether you're buying for yourself or gifting someone else, following these tips will help you stay safe and secure your spot at the show the right way.