5 ways to avoid getting scammed for concert tickets
Last updated 12th Oct 2023
Just got tickets for your favourite artist? Make sure they’re the real deal or enjoy the show from the car park.
With artist’s slowly returning to touring since the covid-19 pandemic, excitement for gigs/events are at an all time high.
Despite the return to concert life, ticket scams have been an increasing issue with the rise of ticket costs leaving many fans depending on alternative sites or resell tickets for their chance to see their favourite artist in person.
Scammers are becoming more prevalent, targeting individuals through social media platforms, using statuses, DMs and posts to take advantage of people’s eagerness. Do not let it be you.
The cost-of-living crisis is at current all-time high, so make sure when buying your tickets don’t let your hard-earned money go to waste.
The SSE Arena Belfast has put out multiple statements, alerting people of “bogus ticket sellers and tour operators, pleading people to not buy from unofficial sources including third party websites, as these tickets will not grant access”.
With concerts such as Luke Combs, Arctic Monkeys and Picture This headlining the arena this week make sure your tickets are valid prior to entry.
The arena has also stated, “they will only accept tickets in the original Ticketmaster format. Screenshots or pictures of tickets will not be accepted.”
Check out 5 top tips for avoiding ticket scammers:
Stick to reliable sites
Online scammers may use third party sites or marketplaces to pose as ticket sellers. Only use reliable sites like Ticketmaster/Promoter to purchase
Make sure you pay using your debit or credit card
Always avoid paying by bank transfer, instead use a debit or credit card so you can protect your money. Using a secure payment site, such as PayPal is also a great way to ensure the safety of your money should something go wrong
Beware of ‘lucky deals’ you might see on social media, email or WhatsApp
Only click through if you are 100% sure that the source is genuine, make sure you know the person contacting you or the email is from a mailing list you're signed up to
Check the website is secure
Look out for 'https' and a locked padlock in the address bar
Double-check all details of your purchase before confirming payment
Make sure the section and seat numbers on the tickets actually exist at the venue