CLEVELAND — The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has tips for keeping you safe from scams involving the most high profile concerts demanding the highest ticket prices.
If you've been to a concert recently featuring a pop mega star like Taylor Swift, a legend on his farewell tour like Elton John, or reuniting pop/punk icons like Blink 182, you are well aware of the prices you have to pay to get into large arenas.
If you're lucky enough to order a ticket through a first party seller like Ticketmaster, their new dynamic pricing model, an algorithm-controlled pricing based on supply and demand, could cause you to sweat when looking at the single-ticket price even before scalpers get their hands on them.
This causes many to look to the secondary market when they lose out on their first opportunity to purchase.
But buyer beware, these popular concerts present an opportunity for scammers to take advantage of your urgency and fear of missing out with bogus tickets.
The BBB has outlined four tips to help keep your money in the right hands:
Research Companies - If purchasing from a ticket reseller or event organizer, research them first at BBB.org. Check BBB’s website to see if they have a BBB Business Profile. Be sure to read the company’s buyer protection policy and refund policy. Also, check BBB Scam Tracker (bbb.org/ScamTracker) to see if anyone else has reported them as a scam. Avoid purchasing tickets from individuals who post on Craigslist or other online marketplaces.
Too Good to Be True - Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true and be cautious of enticing offers that are significantly less than the going rate.
Use Official Websites - When possible, use official band websites to purchase merchandise and authorized ticket brokers like ticketmaster.com.
Never use Online Payment Methods, Prepaid Debit Cards, or Gift Cards as Payment - These forms of payment are often requested by scammers and once the money is gone, there is little recourse to get funds back. Opt to use a credit card on a secure website (look for HTTPS) as a payment method.
If you have come across a scam or shady ticket seller online, report these instances to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
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