Love concerts, sports games, or Broadway shows? Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for a good deal, beware—event ticket scams are more common than ever. Fraudsters are getting better at creating fake tickets and luring people into buying seats that don’t exist.
Before you click “buy,” read this list of the top 10 ticket scams to avoid—and learn how to protect yourself.
1. Fake Tickets That Look Real
Scammers often use design software like Photoshop or Illustrator to create incredibly realistic-looking fake tickets. They may even print them on card stock to look authentic. Victims typically send cash, checks, or money orders—only to never receive the ticket or find out it’s fake at the gate.
✅ How to avoid it: Only buy from authorized ticket sellers or platforms with guarantees.
2. E-Ticket Confusion and Duplicate Sales
Sometimes a ticket broker accidentally double-sells a seat. You’ll get a confirmation email, but so does someone else. The mistake won’t show up until you’re both denied entry at the venue.
✅ How to avoid it: Stick with well-reviewed and licensed brokers, and verify ticket numbers before purchase.
3. “Dummy” Ticket Listings
Certain shady resellers post listings for tickets they don’t even own yet. If you buy, they scramble to secure comparable seats later—often at a loss or with delays.
✅ How to avoid it: Ask for a ticket confirmation number before purchasing, or use official ticketing websites.
4. The Wrong Seats (or Obstructed Views)
That “great deal” on eBay may come with a catch: terrible seats. Many buyers realize too late that their “amazing” tickets are for behind a pillar or at the far back of the balcony.
✅ How to avoid it: Ask for a venue map screenshot showing your seat location and view before buying.
5. Duplicate Ticket Scams
Scammers grab reissued tickets from box offices—issued when customers lose or damage originals—and resell them online. The venue only honors the first barcode scanned—everyone else gets turned away.
✅ How to avoid it: Only purchase from verified sellers who guarantee ticket validity.
6. Tickets for the Wrong Show or Date
Some fraudsters sell real tickets—but to the wrong event. You show up on the wrong day or for a different performance entirely.
✅ How to avoid it: Always triple-check the event name, date, and time before finalizing your purchase.
7. Resold Tickets Bought with Stolen Cards
Some scammers use stolen credit cards to buy tickets, then resell them. When the fraud is caught and the transaction canceled, the ticket becomes invalid—and you’re left with nothing.
✅ How to avoid it: Avoid peer-to-peer resale sites without buyer protection or verification.
8. Tickets Sold in “Pairs” That Aren’t Together
Shady scalpers may sell two tickets as a pair—but they’re actually in separate sections or rows. You won’t find out until you’re already inside the venue.
✅ How to avoid it: Always request seat numbers and section details upfront.
9. Fraudulent Email or Mobile Barcodes
Many venues now scan digital tickets, but scammers sell the same barcode to multiple people. Only the first person to arrive gets in—everyone else is denied entry.
✅ How to avoid it: Use official mobile ticketing apps or email tickets from verified sellers.
10. Price Gouging and Market Manipulation
Some brokers buy up huge blocks of tickets early, then resell them at inflated prices. This creates false scarcity and drives prices higher.
✅ How to avoid it: Buy during pre-sale windows or from authorized sources as soon as tickets are released.
Final Thoughts: How to Avoid Ticket Scams
With scammers becoming more sophisticated, buying event tickets safely requires more vigilance than ever. Always:
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Buy from authorized ticketing websites (like Ticketmaster or the venue)
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Avoid cash transactions—use credit cards with fraud protection
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Read seller reviews and verify license or registration numbers
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Ask for details like row, seat, and section before payment
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Be wary of prices that are too good to be true
Whether you’re buying Broadway seats or scoring playoff tickets, protecting yourself from event ticket scams is the best way to ensure a hassle-free, unforgettable experience.
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Close-up of fake and real event tickets on a table, highlighting differences
FAQs: Top 10 Event Ticket Scams to Avoid When Buying Online
How can I tell if a ticket is fake?
Fake tickets often look real but contain errors in seat number, barcode, or design. Always cross-check with official ticketing services or the venue.
What’s the safest way to buy resale tickets?
Use well-known, verified resale platforms like StubHub or SeatGeek that offer buyer guarantees and refund policies.
Can I get a refund if I bought a fake ticket?
Possibly—if you used a credit card. File a dispute with your card issuer immediately and report the fraud.
Are e-tickets safer than physical tickets?
They can be—but only if issued by official platforms. Scammers often resell the same barcode, so make sure your e-ticket is unique and valid.
What should I do if I suspect I bought a scam ticket?
Contact your payment provider, file a complaint with the FTC, and report the seller to the platform and venue immediately.
