Buying tickets for concerts, sporting fixtures and major events can be exciting — but it also carries risk, particularly when purchasing from private sellers.
High-demand events often attract counterfeit tickets and the rare non-genuine adverts. Taking a few simple precautions can help protect you from financial loss.
Please note: This guide is for general information only. It does not constitute legal advice, and we do not accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this guide.
Exercise Caution with High-Demand Events
For major concerts and sporting events, thousands of counterfeit or duplicated tickets can enter the market.
Scammers often attempt to:
Create non-genuine adverts for sold-out events
Offer tickets at slightly below market value to create urgency
Request payment upfront and then disappear
Send duplicate or invalid e-tickets
If a deal feels rushed or too good to be true, pause and reassess.
Avoid Paying Before Receiving the Ticket
One of the most common ticket scams involves requesting payment before the buyer receives the ticket.
Be especially cautious if:
You are asked to transfer money directly to a bank account
You are asked to pay via “Friends & Family” on PayPal
You are promised that tickets will be “posted later”
The seller refuses to meet in person
Once money is transferred, recovery can be extremely difficult.
Where possible:
Meet in person
Inspect the ticket before payment
Complete the exchange at the same time
Handing over money without receiving the ticket significantly increases your risk.
E-Tickets vs Physical Tickets
Clarify whether the ticket is:
A physical, original printed ticket, or
An electronic (e-ticket)
E-tickets can be reprinted multiple times. A seller may send you a valid-looking copy while keeping another version for themselves.
If purchasing an e-ticket:
Confirm how it will be transferred
Ensure it is officially transferred through the ticket provider’s system where possible
Meet the Seller in Person
Meeting in person allows you to:
Examine the ticket carefully
Verify identification
Avoid postal delays or excuses
Remember: private sellers are not licensed or bonded. If you purchase a fake ticket, you are unlikely to have recourse.
Verify the Ticket’s Authenticity
Always ask:
Was the ticket originally purchased from an official agent?
Can proof of purchase be provided?
Where possible, contact the official distributor (e.g. Ticketmaster or event organiser) to verify authenticity.
Identifying Counterfeit Tickets
Carefully inspect the ticket before buying.
Compare it with a genuine example issued recently.
Check for:
Correct seat and section details
Accurate event date and venue
Matching font styles and logo placement
Correct spelling and contact details
Look for:
Smudged ink
Low-quality paper
Poor print clarity
If possible, use a UV light to check for security markings (note: not all genuine tickets include UV features).
Scrape your finger lightly across the print — genuine tickets typically use high-quality ink that does not smudge easily.
Warning Signs of Non-Genuine Adverts
Be cautious if:
The seller insists on quick payment
The seller avoids phone contact
The price is significantly below market value
The advert contains stock images only
The seller refuses to meet
Scammers often rely on urgency and emotion — particularly for sold-out events.
Final Advice
Never transfer money unless you are fully satisfied with the ticket’s authenticity.
Avoid paying in advance for tickets you have not physically seen.
Trust your instincts — if something feels off, walk away.
Missing out on an event is disappointing. Losing money to a scam is worse.
Stay cautious, ask questions, and deal carefully.
Contact Us
If you have any further questions or would like to chat, please reach out to our Customer Support team.