Ticket resale scam
Quick answer
A scammer sells event or travel tickets they do not have, often for sold-out events.
- Buy from official or reputable resale platforms with buyer protection.
What it is
A scammer sells event or travel tickets they do not have, often for sold-out events.
How it works
A seller offers in-demand tickets and asks for payment by transfer, then sends nothing or a fake ticket.
Red flags to watch for
- Sold-out tickets suddenly available
- Payment by transfer to an individual
- Pressure and urgency
- No buyer protection
Example
A seller offers sold-out tickets if you pay quickly by transfer. This is risky because the tickets may not exist and the money is hard to recover.
What not to do
- Do not pay by transfer to a stranger
- Do not buy from unverified sellers
The safe next step
Buy from official or reputable resale platforms with buyer protection.
Often seen on: Social media, Classifieds.
Commonly targets: Fans, Event-goers.
How to verify safely
- Do not use links, phone numbers, QR codes, or email addresses from the suspicious message.
- Open the official app or website yourself - type the address manually.
- Call a contact you have saved, or the number printed on your bank card.
- If you are threatened or in immediate danger, contact local emergency services or police.
How to report it
Report to the platform and your national fraud authority.
Find official links for your country in the scam reporting directory.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a ticket resale scam?
A scammer sells event or travel tickets they do not have, often for sold-out events.
How can I avoid a ticket resale scam?
Buy from official or reputable resale platforms with buyer protection.
What should I do if I have already been affected?
Contact your bank or the relevant provider through official channels, change any exposed passwords from a trusted device, and save evidence. See our recovery guides, and be wary of recovery scams that promise to get your money back for a fee.