Avoid using wire transfers when purchasing concert tickets to prevent potential scams and fraudulent activities.
In the run-up to the festival season, AK Upper Austria offers advice on purchasing tickets securely online. With the surge in counterfeit tickets, unscrupulous sellers, and inflated prices, ticket buyers risk losing substantial amounts of money and missing out on events. To avoid such risks, AK Upper Austria suggests:
- Purchase tickets directly from the official event organizer's website or authorized platforms, ensuring secure payment methods.
- Be cautious on social networks like Facebook and secondary marketplaces like Willhaben, where fraudulent ticket offers and scammers are prevalent. These platforms are often sources for tickets sold at inflated prices, with demands for quick payments via PayPal "Friends & Family" or instant transfers. These methods, however, lack buyer protection, leaving purchasers with invalid or no tickets.
Many organizers now rely on personalized tickets that can only be used with a matching photo ID. The terms and conditions or organizer's website will state whether and how tickets can be transferred.
In order to minimize the risk of ticket scams or fraud when buying online, follow these best practices:
Buying from Official or Authorized Sources:
- Purchase directly from official websites or authorized ticket vendors such as Ticketmaster, Live Nation, AXS, or the festival’s own ticketing partner (like Etix for the Wisconsin State Fair).
- Avoid tickets sold by individuals on Facebook, Willhaben, or other classified sites unless you are familiar with the seller or the platform offers robust buyer protections.
Verification Tips:
- Check for seller reputation: On platforms like Facebook or Willhaben, look for profiles with a long-standing history, positive feedback, and clear communication. Beware of new or suspicious accounts.
- Use the official ticket issuer’s verification tools: If a ticket is digital, ask the seller to use the official ticket issuer’s website or app to verify its authenticity before paying.
- Request proof of purchase: Ask for a copy of the original purchase receipt or confirmation email, and cross-check details (date, time, seat number) with the event organizer or ticket issuer if possible.
- Meet in person (if physical tickets): When possible, meet the seller in a safe public place and inspect the ticket for inconsistencies or signs of tampering. Compare it with examples of legitimate tickets from the same event.
Additional Safety Measures:
- Payment methods: Use secure payment options that offer buyer protection, such as PayPal Goods and Services, or credit cards. Avoid direct bank transfers or cash payments unless absolutely necessary.
- Watch for red flags: Be wary of deals that seem “too good to be true,” urgent sales pressure, or sellers unwilling to provide additional verification.
- Contact customer support: If in doubt, reach out to the official ticket issuer or event organizer for guidance and verification.
| Platform | Risk Level | How to Buy Safely ||-----------------|------------|--------------------------------------------|| Official sites | Low | Buy directly; use official verification || Facebook | High | Check profile, meet in person, verify || Willhaben | High | Check feedback, meet in person, verify |
By following these steps, you can significantly decrease your chances of falling prey to ticket scams or fraud.
- To ensure a secure transaction, purchase tickets directly from the event organizer's website or authorized platforms like Ticketmaster, Live Nation, AXS, or the festival's own ticketing partner.
- When verifying a ticket, utilize the official ticket issuer's website or app to authenticate the ticket before making a payment.
- To minimize risks, opt for secure payment options that offer buyer protection such as PayPal Goods and Services or credit cards, and be cautious of potential red flags like urgent sales pressure or sellers unwilling to provide additional verification.
