4 Tips for Avoiding Concert Ticket Scammers

Many people throughout America enjoy purchasing tickets for upcoming music events at entertainment venues. Research shows that the United States leads the world in regards to spending for music and music entertainment. Unfortunately, scammers throughout this country are known to prey on individuals looking for cheap concert tickets. In fact, research from the Federal Trade Commission found that nearly $1.7 billion was lost during 2017 as a result of fraudulent activity and other types of scams. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that you don’t fall victim to concert ticket scam artists. With that in mind, here are four tips for avoiding concert ticket scammers.

1. If Possible, Purchase Tickets with Credit Cards
   
   In most cases, you’ll have several methods for purchasing concert tickets. Unfortunately, scammers are aware of this and might urge you to purchase tickets by using your debit card, cash, or sending wire payments. This is because the previously mentioned payment methods are difficult for consumers to refund. If you’re wanting to safeguard yourself against scammers, only purchase tickets by using a credit card. Credit cards allow customers to implement chargebacks, protecting you against ticket scammers.
2. Double Check the Location of Your Tickets
   
   Criminals are known to get creative while running their scams. With that in mind, they often create tickets for seats that don’t exist. For instance, you might find tickets that allow you to sit in section 111. The scam occurs if the entertainment venue hosting this concert doesn’t have this section in their building. To avoid this problem, double check an entertainment venue’s seating chart before purchasing any tickets.
3. Only Buy Tickets from a Trustworthy Source
   
   Many concert scams occur when people try to purchase tickets from secondary sources. Not buying tickets from the official venue might work out, but it’s a risky decision to make. Considering that, one of the best ways to protect yourself against ticket scammers is to purchase these items from trustworthy sources. Purchasing tickets through the entertainment venue itself ensures you avoid dealing with criminals.
4. Avoid Anything That Seems Too Good to Be True
   
   You’ll find that scammers often make a point to target upcoming popular events. This leads to all sorts of potential problems for ticket purchasers. Scammers might try to sell tickets online for events that have already sold out. These individuals might also make attempts to sell tickets at prices that are too good to be true. If you come across ticket purchasing opportunities that seem too good to be true, they probably are.

To summarize, there are many ways to protect yourself against the threat of ticket scammers. By following a few important tips, you’ll be able to enjoy an upcoming music event without the emotions that come with getting scammed. While it takes a bit of extra time and effort, follow these tips to ensure you aren’t putting money in the pockets of scam artists.