(CHICAGO) — The Better Business Bureau says the public should be on high alert for phony ticket websites, fake “Wait Lists,” and dead wristbands. These scams not only stop you at the gate but steal your hard-earned cash.
“The frenzy for last-minute Lollapalooza tickets makes it easier for scammer tricks to be effective,” said Steve Bernas, BBB president and CEO. “Fraudsters have lots of schemes knowing you are in a hurry and buying with emotion. Do not let your guard down.”
Scammers prey on timing and emotion. They’ll send deceptive emails and texts, and pose as legitimate ticket resellers to grab your money. They do it very quickly. You may not see it until it’s too late. “Don’t let the thrill of scoring tickets blind you to the risks,” says Bernas.
While many tickets are sold out, fans can still join the official “Wait List” or use the “Buy Verified Resale” option to find legitimate resellers. “This is exactly where fraudsters might strike,” notes Bernas. “You could lose hundreds – or even thousands – of dollars and only discover the scam when you’re turned away at the gate.”
Social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and other online marketplaces can be hotbeds for ticket scams. In today’s digital-first environment, fake QR codes and electronic tickets often go undetected until it’s too late.
“And it’s not just tickets,” said Bernas. “It’s bogus merchandise, too. Fraudsters are also targeting hotel bookings and vacation rentals, siphoning money from consumers and legitimate businesses alike.”
BBB Tip-Offs to the Rip-Offs:
• Avoid online marketplaces to find tickets. Lollapalooza wristbands could be counterfeit or voided.
• Fake websites will offer low-price tickets to trick people into entering their credit card info. No tickets arrive, and scammers use your information to purchase big-ticket items.
• Fraudsters will copy and paste an actual ticket and then “sell” it to many purchasers, all of whom get a surprise at the gate when they learn the ticket is not valid.
• Counterfeit tickets with forged barcodes look very professional; however, you will be denied access when you arrive at the concert, and the scammer is long gone.
• Scammers prey on high pressure and low prices to make fast sales, knowing people are desperate to see the concert.
• Some ticket brokers will offer better prices than the competition but charge excessive fees on the final page for ticket handling.
To reduce one’s risk of encountering a scam, BBB offers these guidelines:
• Buy tickets at the box office or from the venue’s official online ticket sales site and be careful because imitation sites can show up first in internet searches.
• Always research companies before doing business with them and know their refund and cancellation policies. Search ratings and reviews at BBB.org and look for the BBB Seal, The Sign of a Better Business.
• Use a credit card to purchase tickets and ticket packages so you have some recourse if the tickets are not as promised. Debit cards, wire transfers, or cash transactions are money lost if the tickets or travel bookings are fraudulent.
• Only deal with secure websites. These will begin with “HTTPS” and have a “lock” symbol on the address bar.
• Know the refund policy. If you do purchase tickets from a ticket reseller, be certain they provide clear details about the transaction terms. Know what happens when an event cancels.
