13 Travel Scams to Avoid and Stay Protected

3. Fake Ticket Sellers and Event Scams

What it is: Scammers sell counterfeit or non-existent tickets for concerts, sports, or tourist attractions. They use fake resale accounts, social posts, or email offers to create urgency. Sometimes the ticket looks legitimate but is invalid at the door. How they work: A seller posts rare tickets at a good price on social media or a resale site. They pressure you to pay through an untraceable method and promise to deliver electronic tickets later. At the venue, the barcode is rejected, or the same ticket has been sold to multiple people. Prevention steps: Buy tickets only from box offices, official resale partners, or trusted platforms that guarantee refunds. If buying from an individual, use a payment method that offers buyer protection, and request transfer via the official ticketing platform so the venue can verify the ticket. Check seller reviews and ask for office contact numbers. If possible, pick up tickets at the box office on the day of the event. Where to report: Contact the venue to verify ticket authenticity and notify the resale platform. If you were scammed, report to the FTC and local police. For events in India, inform the venue and local police immediately.