Buying Concert Resale Tickets? Here’s How to Stay Safe

With the huge demand around events like Taylor Swift The Eras Tour, ticket scams are more sophisticated than ever. If you’re not careful, you could easily fall into these traps. This guide will help you recognize common scams and protect yourself, so you can enjoy the concert without worry.

Common Concert Ticket Scams

1. Fake Tickets or Duplicate QR Codes
Scammers often sell fake tickets or duplicate QR codes, preventing you from entering the event.

• Fake tickets are often highly detailed, making them hard to spot, but they’ll be rejected at the gate.
• With duplicate QR codes, the same code is sold to multiple buyers, and only the first person to use it gets entry.

2. Payment or Deposit Scams
A classic trick is to ask for a deposit to “reserve” the ticket. Scammers may demand upfront payment or request transfers through methods without buyer protection, like direct bank transfers or unsecured e-wallets. Once they get the money, they disappear without a trace.

3. “Buying on Your Behalf” Scams
Some scammers claim they have "special access" to tickets and offer to purchase them for you, promising a better deal or guaranteed entry. After receiving payment, they vanish, leaving you without a ticket.

4. Last-Minute Price Hikes
A scammer may start negotiating to sell you a ticket, then suddenly raise the price or demand immediate payment. They use tactics like “you’ll miss this chance” to pressure you into paying without checking thoroughly.

5. Impersonating Official Sellers
Some scammers pose as official ticket agents and create fake websites or social media profiles to deceive buyers. These sites often mimic official designs, making them hard to spot. Always check the URL and only purchase from officially listed ticket sources.

6. Beware of “Middleman” Scams
Some scammers act as intermediaries or “guarantee” the transaction between buyer and seller but then disappear with the money. Others work in pairs, with one posing as the seller and the other as a trusted middleman, who is part of the scam. Be cautious—even admins of groups with thousands of members can be scammers.

Groups created to scam exist (Image: Tổ đội check scam)

7. Fake Payment Platforms
Scammers set up fake payment websites to steal your credit card details. Entering your information on these fake sites can lead to financial loss, misuse of your data, or even unauthorized access to your bank account. Always use trusted payment platforms like PayPal or Momo and double-check the website address.

Signs of a Ticket Scam

1. Prices Too Good to Be True
Tickets listed below market value, especially for sold-out shows, are a red flag. For high-demand events, resale prices often surge, sometimes doubling or tripling. Be cautious of tickets priced below or close to face value—they’re likely scams.

2. Requests for Unprotected Payment Methods
Scammers frequently ask for payments through methods without buyer protection, like direct bank transfers or unfamiliar e-wallets. If you’re asked to use these methods, proceed with caution—they carry high risk.

3. Urgent Sales with “Last-Minute” Reasons
Scammers may claim “unexpected plans” or “urgent need to sell” to rush buyers into quick decisions. Phrases like “urgent sale, low price” or “need to sell quickly” create a sense of urgency that keeps you from verifying the seller’s legitimacy.

4. Claims of “Limited Tickets” and “Selling Out”
Scammers sometimes flood social media with ads like “limited tickets left” or “almost sold out” to create hype and pressure buyers to act fast. Be wary of these tactics, especially from unverified accounts or questionable websites.

5. “Transferable” or Resale Tickets
Some sellers list tickets as “transferable” or “resale” since they can no longer attend. However, many events don’t allow ticket transfers, and buyers risk being denied entry even with a seemingly valid ticket. Before buying, check the event’s resale policy.

6. Requests for Excessive Personal Information
When purchasing resale tickets, the seller doesn’t need extensive personal information. Be wary if they ask for sensitive details like your ID number, email password, or bank information—this could indicate phishing to misuse your data.

Safe Ways to Buy Concert Tickets

1. Purchase from Official Sources
Trusted sources include:

• The event’s official ticket website (e.g., Ticketmaster, Ticketbox)
• The event organizer’s official website
• Verified ticket agencies authorized by the event

Avoid buying from:

• Websites with unclear origins or unverified social media accounts with little transaction history
• Individuals or intermediaries demanding upfront deposits through unsecured methods

2. Verify the Resale Policy
Before buying from a third party, check the event’s official website to confirm if resale is allowed. If it’s not, you could be denied entry even with a legitimate-looking ticket.

3. Verify the Seller’s Information
If buying from an individual, check key details about the seller, including:

• Their real name and profile picture (matched with their social media presence)
• Reviews or feedback from previous transactions
• Their interaction history in fan groups or social communities
• Transaction history on buying/selling platforms if applicable

4. Use Secure Payment Methods
Opt for payment options that offer refunds or buyer protection, like credit cards, PayPal, or reputable e-wallets like Momo and ZaloPay.

• Safe methods: Credit cards, PayPal, Momo, ZaloPay
• Risky methods: Direct bank transfers, unfamiliar e-wallets, or platforms without buyer protection

5. Keep All Communication and Payment Records
Save every confirmation email, message, and screenshot related to your purchase. These records can serve as evidence for disputes or reports.

6. Double-Check All Ticket Details
Before heading to the event, verify your ticket details:

• Event location
• Date and time
• Seat or section numbers
• Confirmation code (if available on the official website)
• Ticket type and whether it’s transferable or restricted for resale

Avoiding Fake Websites and Suspicious Links

1. Don’t Click on Random Ad Links
Ad links on Google or social media may lead to fake sites. Only access ticket sites through official links or trusted sources.

2. Check Alerts from Event Organizers
Follow event organizers’ announcements to stay aware of known fake ticket sites or scam accounts. Organizers typically publish lists of verified vendors and warn fans about active scams.

3. Don’t Share Ticket Details on Social Media
Avoid sharing photos of your tickets or QR codes online. Scammers can copy these codes, potentially gaining unauthorized access. Be cautious and keep your ticket details private.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

1. Save All Transaction Records
Immediately save all related evidence, such as messages, emails, screenshots, receipts, and any other information about the transaction. This evidence will help with reports or disputes.

2. Contact Your Bank or Payment Platform
If you paid through a credit card or secure platform (like Momo or PayPal), report the fraud as soon as possible. Some payment providers may offer refunds if they detect fraud.

3. Report to the Event Organizer
Reach out to the event’s official ticket seller to check the ticket status. This also alerts the organizer about the scam, enabling them to warn others.

4. File a Report with Authorities
If the fraud was significant, consider filing a report with local authorities or cybercrime units. Submit all transaction evidence to aid the investigation.

5. Alert the Community
Post warnings in fan groups, social media, or relevant forums to inform others of the scam. This can help other fans avoid similar pitfalls.

Conclusion

The safest way to buy concert tickets is always from official sources. If you decide to purchase resale tickets, be extra cautious and verify everything. When in doubt, it’s better to wait for another opportunity than risk losing money.

Hope this guide helps you make a safe ticket purchase! If you secure your ticket successfully, congrats, and don’t forget to check out some gift ideas for your idol at Chus.vn!