Ticket Scams Behind the Spotlight: Scambusters #1,188
Behind the fun of shows and fame, scammers use fake stars, tickets, and casting calls to trick people out of money.
How to Protect Yourself from Fake Ticket Sales and Events
Concert tickets for your favorite artist just went on sale, but they're selling out fast. You find what seems like a great deal on social media or a third-party website. The seller claims to have front row seats at half the original price. Should you buy them?
Entertainment scams have increased alongside the growth of online ticket sales and social media marketing. Scammers exploit fans' excitement and urgency to attend popular events, leaving victims without tickets and out of money. These scams cost consumers millions of dollars annually and often target the most passionate fans who are willing to pay premium prices.
Common Types of Entertainment Scams
Entertainment scammers use various tactics to trick their victims. Here are the most common ways:
- Fake Ticket Sales – Scammers create fraudulent listings for popular concerts, sports events, or theater shows. They often advertise tickets that don't exist or sell the same tickets to multiple buyers.
- Phishing Websites – Scammers create fake websites that look like legitimate ticket vendors like Ticketmaster or StubHub. These sites collect payment information and personal data without delivering actual tickets.
- Social Media Scams – Scammers use Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms to advertise fake tickets or exclusive event access. They often create fake profiles and use stolen photos to appear legitimate.
- Contest and Giveaway Fraud – Fake contests promise free tickets or VIP experiences in exchange for personal information, entry fees, or social media engagement.
- Talent Agency Scams – Scammers target hopeful performers by charging upfront fees for auditions, representation, or promotional services that never come to life.
Are You A Target? Find Out!
Entertainment scammers often focus on specific groups who are more likely to fall for their schemes:
- Young Adults and Teenagers – This specific population frequently attends concerts and events but may have limited experience with online purchasing. They're also more likely to use social media platforms where scammers advertise.
- Fans of Popular Artists – People desperate to see sold out shows or exclusive performances are willing to take risks on questionable ticket sources.
- Last-Minute Buyers – Consumers searching for tickets close to event dates face higher prices and limited availability, making them more susceptible to "too good to be true" deals.
- Parents Purchasing for Children – Parents buying tickets for family events or their children's favorite artists may not be familiar with current market prices or legitimate vendors.
How Scammers Find Their Victims
Entertainment scammers use multiple ways to reach potential victims:
- Social Media Advertising – Scammers create targeted ads on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, often using stolen images and fake testimonials to appear credible.
- Classified Ad Websites – Platforms like Craigslist, OfferUp, and Facebook Marketplace host numerous fraudulent ticket listings.
- Email and Texting – Scammers send bulk messages advertising exclusive presales or discounted tickets, often using official-looking logos and branding.
- Fake Review Sites – Some scammers create websites with positive reviews for their ticket services, manipulating search results to appear trustworthy.
Beware These Red Flags of Entertainment Scams
Watch for these warning signs when purchasing tickets or entertainment services:
Pricing Issues
- Tickets are priced significantly below or above market value
- Refusal to explain pricing or provide detailed breakdowns
- Pressure to buy immediately due to "limited availability"
Payment Methods
- Requests for wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
- Inability to use credit cards or secure payment platforms
- Demands for full payment up front without guarantees
Communication Problems
- Poor grammar or spelling in listings and correspondence
- Hesitant to speak by phone or meet in person
- Vague responses that don't address specific questions
Documentation Issues
- Unwillingness to provide proof of ticket ownership
- Screenshots instead of actual digital tickets
- Missing or suspicious confirmation numbers
When buying tickets specifically, be alert for these additional warning signs:
Suspicious Sellers
- New social media profiles with few followers or posts
- Multiple identical listings across different platforms
- Sellers claiming to have numerous tickets for sold-out events
Transaction Concerns
- No buyer protection or refund policies
- Requests for personal information beyond what's necessary
- Inability to transfer tickets through official platforms
Delivery Problems
- Promises of physical delivery without tracking information
- Digital tickets that can't be verified through official sources
- Last-minute changes to delivery methods or meeting locations
What to Do If You've Been Scammed
If you suspect you've fallen victim to an entertainment scam, take immediate action:
- Contact Your Bank – Report fraudulent charges to your credit card company or bank immediately. They may be able to reverse charges or prevent additional unauthorized transactions.
- File Reports – Submit complaints to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- File a Police Report – File the complaint with your local law enforcement agency.
- Document Everything – Save all communications, screenshots, receipts, and other evidence related to the scam. This information will be valuable for investigations and potential recovery efforts.
- Warn Others – Share your experience on review sites and social media to prevent others from falling victim to the same scammer.
- Contact Platforms – Contact the platform that is advertising this scam. Make them aware so they can take appropriate actions. These platforms do not support this type of activity.
A Fictional Entertainment Scam Example
Sarah was excited to surprise her daughter with tickets to a popular boy band concert. The official venue had sold out months ago, but she found a Facebook post advertising two front-row seats for $200 each, which is half the original price.
The seller, "Mike Johnson," had a profile with concert photos and positive comments from supposed previous buyers. He insisted on payment through Venmo and promised to send the tickets via email the day before the show.
Sarah paid $400 and received what appeared to be legitimate tickets. However, when they arrived at the venue, Security informed them the tickets were duplicates that had already been used by another family. Sarah had fallen victim to a classic ticket duplication scam.
The real Mike Johnson's Facebook account had been hacked, and the scammer used his identity to appear trustworthy. Sarah lost her money and had to explain to her disappointed daughter why they couldn't attend the concert.
Resources to Help Entertainment Scam Victims
Several organizations can help if you've experienced entertainment fraud:
Government Agencies
When you contact the Better Business Bureau, your information will help educate others and to make them aware of this type of scam.
Financial Support
- Contact your credit card company for chargeback assistance.
Conclusion
Remember that legitimate ticket sellers want to build long-term relationships with customers, while scammers focus on quick profits. Take time to research sellers, verify ticket authenticity, and make your financial security a priority over convenience or savings.
By staying alert and following these guidelines, you can enjoy your favorite entertainment events without falling victim to fraud.
Remember, Stay Alert and Stay Informed!