With the rise of online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, buying and selling concert tickets through these platforms has become increasingly common. However, there are risks involved when purchasing tickets from individuals rather than directly through official ticket sellers. This article examines the safety and legality of buying concert tickets on Facebook Marketplace.
The risks of buying tickets on Facebook Marketplace
There are several risks to be aware of when purchasing concert tickets on Facebook Marketplace or other secondary marketplaces:
- Potential for fraud – The seller may not actually have the tickets they are advertising or may be attempting to sell counterfeit or duplicated tickets.
- Tickets may be invalid – Tickets could be for the wrong date, expired, or have already been scanned and used before you try to enter the venue.
- Difficult to verify authenticity – Unlike official ticket sites, there is no way to guarantee the validity of tickets on Facebook Marketplace.
- No buyer protection – If you are scammed, there is very little recourse to get your money back compared to using an official ticket site.
- Potentially higher prices – Individual sellers may inflate prices due to demand.
- Last minute cancellations – The seller could decide not to sell after you’ve already paid.
While there are deals to be found, there is less accountability, security and assurance when buying tickets this way. You are relying solely on the word of the individual seller.
Safe buying tips for Facebook Marketplace tickets
If you do decide to purchase concert tickets on Facebook or a similar site, here are some tips to help protect yourself and avoid scams:
- Research the seller – Check their profile for reviews and feedback from previous sales.
- Ask for proof of purchase – Request a receipt or confirmation email showing they bought the tickets initially.
- Meet in person – This allows you to physically inspect the tickets and buyer before paying.
- Use PayPal Goods and Services – This option gives you buyer protection and ability to dispute the charges if needed.
- Get hard copies – Digital tickets can be easily duplicated, so try to buy hard copy tickets you can verify are legitimate.
- Register the tickets – As soon as you buy them, register the tickets under your name and contact information when possible.
- Be wary of prices – Incredibly low prices may indicate a scam. Check online for average resale values.
- Trust your instinct – If anything seems suspicious, it’s best to not go through with the purchase.
Are ticket resales on Facebook Marketplace legal?
The legality of reselling concert tickets often depends on state laws. Here are some key facts on the legality of ticket resales:
- No federal law – There is no federal law in the US prohibiting the resale of event tickets.
- Some states ban or restrict – Some states like New York and Connecticut have laws banning ticket scalping or restricting markups over face value.
- Fair market value resales are generally legal – Reselling at fair market value above the original price is usually legal in most states.
- Sellers may be in violation – People reselling may be violating ticket platform terms or venue policies, even if not outright illegal.
- Buyer risks for invalid tickets – Even if the reseller is acting illegally, the buyer may still be stuck with invalid tickets.
While reselling concert tickets is often not illegal in itself, there are situations where ticket scalpers may be violating the law. The buyer unfortunately bears the brunt of the risk in these cases.
Alternatives to buying tickets on Facebook
Instead of buying tickets through Facebook or other unverified sources, here are some recommended alternatives:
Buy from official ticket sellers
Purchasing directly through primary ticket outlets like Ticketmaster or the concert venue website is generally the safest option. You have guarantees on validity and can shop legit resale inventory.
Use other ticket resale marketplaces
Sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats and TicketNetwork offer buyer guarantees and screening of sellers. This gives you more fraud protection.
Join fan ticket exchange groups
Buy and sell tickets with other fans through official fan clubs or Facebook groups. The shared fandom builds community trust.
Consider ticket insurance
Some ticket resale sites let you purchase ticket insurance, which can reimburse you if the tickets end up being invalid or your event is cancelled.
Avoid street scalpers
Buying tickets from people outside the venue is extremely risky and is often illegal. You could easily receive fake or stolen tickets.
The most secure option is typically buying directly from the source. But reputable resale marketplaces also offer more peace of mind compared to informal platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
Tips for selling tickets on Facebook
If you are looking to safely sell your tickets, here are some tips:
- List at fair market value – Price them based on comparable ticket resale sites.
- Post clear seat location – Specify section, row and seat numbers.
- Note any ticket transfer restrictions – List policies that restrict transfers.
- Provide proof of purchase – Share receipts or confirmation emails to build trust.
- Register sale and transfer – Formally register the ticket sale and transfer when possible.
- Use safe payment methods – Accept PayPal Goods and Services or cash payments.
- Meet in public – Exchange tickets and payment in a safe public setting.
- Remove once sold – Take down listing immediately after sale is complete.
Conclusion
Buying concert tickets through Facebook Marketplace and similar unregulated sites does carry risks. But you can take steps to minimize the chances of issues. Thoroughly vet sellers, use safe payment methods, meet in person when possible, and register the tickets right away. Following security best practices, being patient, and using trusted primary or secondary sellers are the best ways to obtain valid event tickets.