Buying tickets on Facebook from individuals can be risky, as scams are common. Here are some tips to avoid getting scammed when trying to purchase tickets on Facebook:
Only Buy From People You Know and Trust
The safest option is to only buy tickets from people you know personally and trust. Friends, family members, coworkers, etc. are less likely to scam you. Be wary of buying from strangers or vague acquaintances, as you have no way of verifying their legitimacy.
Check Their Profile Thoroughly
If considering buying from someone you don’t know, thoroughly check their profile before sending any money. Look for the following red flags:
- Profile seems fake – few posts, no personal info, stock photos, etc.
- Recently created account
- Little to no friends or followers
- Negative feedback or comments about scams
A fake or suspicious looking profile is a sign you should avoid them and move on.
Ask For Identification
Ask the seller to provide a photo ID that matches the name on their Facebook profile. A driver’s license or other government ID can help confirm they are legitimate. Be wary if they refuse or avoid providing any identification.
Use PayPal Goods and Services
Never pay direct bank transfer, wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, etc. Only pay through PayPal choosing “Goods and Services”. This option gives you buyer protection to dispute the charges if you never receive the tickets.
Get All Details In Writing
Before paying, get all details of the sale in writing through Facebook Messenger. Include the following:
- Seller’s full name and contact info
- Description of exact tickets being sold
- Price and payment terms
- Agreed upon delivery method for the tickets
This provides a written record in case anything goes wrong. Any seller unwilling to put the details in writing should be avoided.
Search For The Event Online
Search for the event online to verify the details of what the seller is offering. Make sure the event/venue/date/tickets all match up. Fake tickets will often have discrepancies.
Never Pay Up Front Before Receiving Tickets
A big red flag is a seller asking for full payment before sending the tickets. Legitimate sellers will either meet in person or send the tickets first before payment. Paying up front leaves you no recourse if the tickets never arrive.
Meet In Person When Possible
It’s always best to meet the seller in person rather than having tickets shipped. This allows you to:
- Physically inspect the tickets
- Match the seller’s ID to their profile
- Avoid shipping risk of lost tickets
Public meetup spots like coffee shops or police stations can provide extra security.
Watch Out For Common Scams
Be wary of the following common ticket scams on Facebook:
Seller Disappears After Payment
This is the most frequent scam. Seller takes payment and then ceases all communication, never sending the promised tickets.
Fake Tickets
Seller sends mock up tickets that look real but won’t actually get you into the event. Fake barcodes, incorrect seat numbers, etc.
Duplicate Tickets
Seller sends authentic looking pdf tickets, but has already sold and sent the same tickets to multiple other buyers. Venue scans them as duplicates.
Cancelled or Changed Events
Seller claims the event was cancelled or postponed and offers vouchers instead of refund. But the event hasn’t changed.
Stolen Tickets
Seller is offloading tickets stolen or purchased fraudulently, leaving you turned away at the door.
How to Verify if Tickets are Legitimate
Here are some tips for examining tickets to determine if they are likely legitimate before purchasing:
QR Codes
Many venues now use QR codes for digital ticketing. Scan the QR code to make sure it links to a valid ticket on the venue’s ticketing site.
Barcodes
Check that the ticket barcodes are crisp and clear, not blurry or pixelated. Blurry barcodes can indicate a scam ticket.
Seat Numbers
Call the venue box office and confirm the seat numbers on the tickets match actual seats. Made up seats are a sign of fake tickets.
Contact Info
Tickets should have the venue’s name, address, and contact info on them. Compare it to official info online as inconsistencies could reveal a scam.
Purchase Details
Tickets normally list details like the event name, date, section, row, and seat. Make sure all this matches the event you are trying to attend.
Security Features
Many tickets have security holograms, logos, serial numbers, or special paper. Research features for that event and inspect closely.
What to Do if You are Scammed
If you unfortunately send payment but never receive valid tickets, take the following steps:
- Contact the seller through all channels demanding the tickets or your money back. Give firm deadlines.
- Open a claim on PayPal if you paid through Goods and Services. Provide your written correspondence with the seller as evidence.
- Report the Facebook profile for scamming. Facebook may remove their account.
- Leave negative feedback about the scam on their Facebook profile to warn others.
- File reports through the FTC and IC3 if the amount lost is substantial. These agencies prosecute scammers.
- Contact your bank or credit card company to reverse the charges if possible.
- Learn from the experience and be more cautious of scams when buying tickets online next time.
Conclusion
While buying tickets on Facebook can be convenient, it does come with risks. Protect yourself by only buying from trusted people, paying securely, meeting in person when possible, getting all details in writing, verifying the tickets, and avoiding common scams. Being informed and vigilant is key to finding legit tickets and avoiding fraudsters looking to take advantage of eager buyers.