Is Ticketmaster safe? Understanding Ticketmaster-related scams

Is Ticketmaster a legitimate platform?

Ticketmaster is a massive name in ticketing, known for offering tickets to everything from concerts to sports games. As the official ticketing partner for many of the top venues and artists, Ticketmaster provides a trusted and reliable place for selling and purchasing tickets. However, with its popularity, Ticketmaster has also become a target for scammers and impersonators, leading some to wonder how safe it really is.

Here’s the good news — Ticketmaster is a legitimate platform, and the tickets bought directly from this platform will be genuine. Unfortunately, the real issue is with scammers who set up fake websites or accounts pretending to be Ticketmaster to trick unsuspecting buyers. In some cases, hackers even try to gain access to someone’s Ticketmaster account, steal legitimate mobile tickets, and then advertise them on social media or other third-party sites. These fake offers can look so real that spotting the scams isn’t easy.

Is it safe to buy from Ticketmaster?

Ticketmaster has long been a top choice for buying live event tickets, and it’s widely recognized as a safe and reliable platform. While it occasionally receives complaints about fees or customer support wait times — common issues with big online services — it’s still highly trusted for keeping customer information secure.

One of the main reasons Ticketmaster is so widely popular is its protection against fake tickets and unauthorized sellers. When you buy directly from the official site, you can trust the tickets are real. Plus the verified resale option lets buyers purchase secondhand tickets with confidence since Ticketmaster confirms they’re valid for entry. This feature is especially helpful for fans looking to purchase tickets to sold-out shows, where the risk of counterfeit tickets is higher.

The most common scams related to Ticketmaster

Because Ticketmaster is such a big name, it’s also become a target for scammers who try to trick people by pretending to be Ticketmaster. Here’s a look at some of the most common scams these malicious actors use to catch ticket buyers off guard.

Is it safe to buy from Ticketmaster?

A popular ticket scam to watch out for is fake “Ticketmaster” ticket listings claiming to sell legitimate tickets. However, once you send the money, the seller disappears without delivering any tickets. Be cautious with these offers — if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Always stick to official or verified resale sites to avoid getting scammed.

Phishing emails

Scammers often send emails that look like they’re from Ticketmaster, usually creating a sense of urgency or offering tempting deals to get you to click on fraudulent links. These links lead to look-alike sites where you’re asked to enter login or personal details, which scammers then use for identity theft or to access sensitive information on your Ticketmaster account.

Data breaches have made these scams even more dangerous. Scammers may already have details like your name or past purchases, making their emails look legit. To stay safe, double-check the sender’s address and avoid clicking on suspicious links.

Ticket listings for sold-out events

Some events sell tickets out quickly, and scammers take advantage by offering overpriced or fake tickets. Malicious actors often use this tactic to pressure desperate fans into believing this is their last chance to secure tickets, which may lead them to ignore their better judgment and spend serious cash. In these scams, tickets typically do not exist or are sold at ridiculous prices.

Fake Ticketmaster websites

Cybercriminals often set up fake websites that resemble the official Ticketmaster site to get users to enter their personal information or “buy tickets” without realizing it’s a scam. These look-alike websites may have similar layouts, colors, branding, and overall appearance. The only difference between a legitimate site and a fake one is usually the domain. In these scams, criminals typically engage in URL spoofing and purchase domains that look legitimate at first glance, such as “ticketsmarter.com” or “ticketmasturs.com.” Always double-check the URL to ensure you’re on the official Ticketmaster site and avoid falling victim to these scams.

Ticketmaster account hijacking

If a scammer gets hold of your Ticketmaster login details, they can take over your account and access your tickets. Once they’re in, they can transfer tickets to their own account, leaving you locked out of the events you were looking forward to.

While Ticketmaster might help you recover your tickets, it’s not always easy to prove your account was hacked since only your account can transfer tickets.

Pre-sold ticket listings

Sometimes, scammers create listings for tickets they don’t own, hoping to secure them later. Buyers often find themselves disappointed when these nonexistent tickets turn out to be unavailable after purchase. This type of ticket scam can lead to frustration and financial loss because buyers pay for tickets that may never exist.

Counterfeit tickets

Most tickets are validated with a barcode or QR code, which are pretty easy to fake. The scam of selling tickets that have been replicated has been around forever, and today, technology has made it even easier for scammers to create convincing copies. Some fraudsters make counterfeit tickets that look like the real deal, so it can be challenging for buyers to tell the difference at first glance. Unfortunately, the buyer won’t be allowed in once a fake QR code is scanned at the venue.

Fake customer support

One of the sneakiest tricks scammers use involves fake customer support pretending to be Ticketmaster. Scammers might reach out, posing as support, and ask you to call back with your details to “resolve” an issue. Once you call the fake support number back, the scammers will try to get your sensitive details like your name, email, username, and password. With this information, they can access your account, change your credentials, or even steal information about your linked payment methods and make unauthorized purchases.

Third-party payment

Watch out for sellers claiming to offer Ticketmaster tickets but wanting to finalize the sale outside of the official Ticketmaster website. Scammers often promote great deals on social media or third-party sites, pushing you to pay through methods like PayPal, Venmo, or cash. By doing so, they can trick you into buying fake tickets, and if they vanish with your money, you might have a hard time getting it back.

Multiple ticket resale

Another scam to watch out for is when scammers print and sell the same ticket to multiple buyers. Even if the original ticket is real, you won’t know how many copies are floating around, which could mean showing up to an event only to find your ticket’s already been used.

To combat this, Ticketmaster now offers digital tickets with every order. These digital tickets can only be transferred between Ticketmaster accounts and are accessible through the mobile app, making it much harder for scammers to duplicate tickets.

How to protect yourself from ticketing scams

While Ticketmaster is a reliable platform to buy tickets, it’s important to stay alert for scammers pretending to be the company. Following these tips will help you avoid common Ticketmaster scams and ensure you’re getting authentic tickets for your favorite events:

• By purchasing tickets directly through a primary ticket seller, you can be certain you are buying them from a trusted source and reduce the risk of encountering fake or counterfeit ticket listings.
• Be cautious of third-party sellers. If you’re considering other sites, do some research to ensure they’re reputable.
• Use strong, unique passwords for your Ticketmaster account. For tips on creating a strong password, check out our article about it. If you’re worried about managing multiple passwords, consider using a secure password manager.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Ticketmaster account to add an extra layer of security. With it turned on, you will be required to verify your identity through a second method every time you log in, making it harder for scammers to access your account.
• Watch out for phishing emails that may look like they are from Ticketmaster but actually aren’t. Always verify the sender’s email address and avoid clicking on links in suspicious emails.
• Double-check any support numbers you find online. If you need help, always contact Ticketmaster through official channels.
• Be extra cautious with ticket listings for sold-out events. Always verify the legitimacy of any tickets you’re thinking about buying.
• If you suspect you have encountered a scam or have been scammed, report it to local law enforcement and contact Ticketmaster immediately.

Can I trust the Ticketmaster resale platform?

When it comes to purchasing resale tickets or reselling, Ticketmaster’s official ticket resale platform offers a level of trust and security that many other third-party options can’t match. Unlike other resale platforms, Ticketmaster verifies all tickets listed, ensuring they’re authentic and legitimate, so you’re less likely to encounter counterfeit tickets or unrealistic deals.

A big benefit of using Ticketmaster’s resale service is buying and selling tickets directly within the Ticketmaster ecosystem. This integration makes transactions smooth, with verified resale tickets available alongside primary ticket sales so you can find the most suitable deal for you. Additionally, Ticketmaster offers a clear policy on ticket transfers and guarantees, providing peace of mind when making your purchase.

How to confirm the authenticity of your tickets

If you’ve bought tickets through an official source like the venue’s website, the box office, Ticketmaster.com, the Ticketmaster app, or Ticketmaster’s resale platform, you can trust that they are real tickets. However, buying tickets from individuals or other resale websites comes with a much higher risk.

You can’t always be sure a ticket is real unless it’s from a trusted source, but taking these steps can provide you with more peace of mind:

• Check purchase source. Always make sure you’re buying from a recognized, reliable platform. Look for clear indicators like secure payment options, reviews, and contact details. If the site or seller seems off, proceed with caution.
• Examine the physical ticket. Look for spelling errors, date formats, and low-quality printing. Legitimate printed tickets have no spelling mistakes and are printed on high-quality stock.
• Ask for proof of purchase. If you’re buying tickets from an individual, ask them for the original receipt from a verified seller.
• Research the seller. Research the seller’s name, email address, and phone number using search terms like “fraud,” “scam,” or “fake tickets.”

However, it’s important to note that until the venue scans the tickets at the event, there’s no guarantee that tickets sold by a third-party source are legitimate.

How to report ticketing scams

If you encounter a fake ticket scam, it’s important to report it as soon as possible to help protect yourself and other buyers:

1. Document everything. Take screenshots of suspicious tickets, fake ticket listings, websites, emails, or messages you’ve received. Note down any relevant details, such as dates, times, and the names of individuals involved.
2. Report to the platform. If the scam occurred on a legitimate ticket-purchasing website, go to its help center and report it. If you encounter scammers pretending to be Ticketmaster, go to the Ticketmaster help center and report your issue, providing as much detail as possible about the scam.
3. Contact local law enforcement. If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, file a report with your local law enforcement and provide all the evidence you’ve gathered.
4. Notify your payment provider. If you suspect that you have been scammed buying tickets, contact your credit card company or payment platform to dispute the charges and potentially recover your funds.
5. Spread the word. Share your experience on social media or community forums to inform others about the scam and how they can avoid similar situations.

Does Ticketmaster refund scams?

If your Ticketmaster account has been compromised and someone transferred your Ticketmaster tickets to another account, Ticketmaster may be able to assist you by issuing new tickets and voiding the previous ones. It has protocols in place to help protect its customers from unauthorized access and fraudulent activity.

However, if you purchased fake tickets from a third-party site or individual or used a different payment method, Ticketmaster isn’t responsible for refunds. In these cases, your best option is to file a chargeback with your credit card company or payment platform. Act quickly and follow the provider’s process to try and recover your money.

Alternatives to Ticketmaster

While Ticketmaster is a popular choice for buying tickets, several other reliable options exist. One is Live Nation, which is part of the same parent company as Ticketmaster. Live Nation offers a wide range of tickets, especially for music events, and often provides exclusive presales, VIP packages, and fan club tickets that you might not find elsewhere.

Alongside Live Nation, several other reputable ticket-buying platforms, including SeatGeek, Eventbrite, AXS, and Ticketfly, are available. To ensure a safe and satisfying ticket-buying experience, always prioritize reputable platforms and double-check the event’s official venue site for the most accurate ticket information.