Buying and selling tickets – your safety guide

We’ve all experienced that mixture of hopefulness and elation that comes with trying to get tickets to a must-see live event. Because there’s a unique thrill in screaming our hearts out at an epic concert or being there as your team completes a nail-biting last-minute comeback. But that promise of an unmissable moment can quickly turn sour if you fall victim to an online ticket scam from an unregulated site, on social media, a fan forum or auction platform.

Don’t let your excitement lead to disappointment. Here’s your checklist to safer buying online.

Use a regulated platform 

• Do your homework: Purchase tickets only through a legitimate and regulated platform. If you are unsure of a website’s legitimacy, you can check it by using Get Safe Online’s Check a Website tool.
• Cover yourself: Ensure platforms offer fan protection with a guarantee should anything go wrong. Regulated ticket marketplaces such as viagogo offer a money-back guarantee. Buyers are guaranteed to receive valid tickets in time for the event and if an issue arises, viagogo will step in to provide comparable replacement tickets or a refund.
• Resist the hard sell and social media: Getting in-demand tickets can feel like a race against time but don’t let individual sellers pressure you into a quick purchase. It’s best to avoid buying tickets on social media where many sellers are unverified, increasing the risk of scams or counterfeit tickets. Plus, social media platforms often lack buyer protection, making it harder to get a refund if something does go wrong.
• Choose 24/7 support: Buy tickets from a regulated site that offers 24/7 customer support to make sure help is always available if you experience issues, like trouble accessing your tickets. Round-the-clock support also provides peace of mind, knowing you can quickly resolve any unexpected problems.
• Verify the venue and date: If the event is taking place at a venue unknown to you, then confirm its existence through online maps and look for independent reviews. Once you have done so, search the original live event announcement or schedule on the artiste or team’s website to make sure dates and location align.
• Price check reality: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid suspiciously cheap tickets.

Protect your information

• Avoid transfers; pay with credit card: Unless you’re dealing with a trusted or regulated platform, avoid bank transfers. Direct payment methods do not provide protection or allow you to track your order, they also limit your ability to recoup your money in the case of a scam. Credit cards offer better protection.
• Stick to the platform: Don’t share your contact details with anyone outside of the company you’re purchasing tickets from and be wary of any sellers asking you to take the transaction off the platform. Any transactions that take place off the platform will not be protected, nor will any information you share.
• Secure sites only: Make sure the website uses a secure connection (https) before entering payment details.
• Don’t display details: Visible barcodes, QR codes and order numbers can lead to your information, or the security of your ticket, being compromised. Protect your ticket, cover up any visible information.

Be vigilant

• Save your receipts: Keep copies of all confirmations and payments.
• Monitor your statements: Watch out for any unauthorised charges.
• Report fraud immediately: If you suspect fraud, report it to your bank and to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk/reporting-fraud-and-cyber-crime or if you prefer, on 0300 123 2040. If you’re in Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.

By following these tips, you can protect yourself from online ticket scams and enjoy the show without worry. Trust your gut and know a little caution can go a long way.