Fake event ticket scam: how it works, warning signs and what to do
Shopping scams · médio
Scammers advertise nonexistent tickets on social media, marketplaces and lookalike websites with slightly altered addresses. They send convincing screenshots, barcodes or confirmation emails, offer low prices and push buyers to decide fast.
Payment is requested outside the official resale platform, via payment apps, gift cards or cash, which are hard to trace or dispute. Because many venues use app-based digital tickets, a hacked account can also let a scammer take your ticket.
Sinais / Signs
- A reseller asking for payment outside an official platform
- Low prices for a sold-out event
- A site with an altered URL or unusual spelling
- Payment only by app, gift card or cash
- Pressure to buy immediately
Prevenção / Prevention
- Start at the venue's or organizer's website
- Use official resale platforms
- Pay by credit card, which offers more protection
- Check that the event name, date and time match
- Protect your ticketing account with a unique password and 2FA
O que fazer / What to do
- Dispute the charge with your card issuer
- Notify the platform or event organizer
- Report the profile or listing on the social network
- Report the fraud to the FTC (US) or Action Fraud (UK)
FAQ
The seller sent a photo of the ticket with a barcode. Is that proof?
No. Scammers often send convincing screenshots, barcodes and confirmations for tickets that don't exist.
What's the safest way to pay?
A credit card on an official platform, since it makes disputing the charge easier.
New York Department of State - Event ticket scams warning (2025)